Huntly chicken shed fire

A large shed was completely destroyed by fire on a Huntly chicken farm last week, killing more than 4500 chickens.

CFA operations manager John Deering said more than seven fire brigades were called to the poultry shed fire at Hy-Line Australia on the Midland Highway just before 2.30pm.

Crews from Huntly, Bendigo, Strathfieldsaye, Golden Square, Junortoun, Eaglehawk and Goornong attended the blaze.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious, with maintenance work outside the shed being the likely cause. The damage estimate to the breeding house, which measured 20m by 50m, could total $1 million.

While one site manager suffering smoke inhalation was taken to Bendigo Base Hospital for treatment, there were no serious injuries.