UPDATE: Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch "fully operational" following fire at facility

On Wednesday, Herb Herbruck declared Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch to be "fully operational."

The declaration was in a statement released by the company regarding a barn fire at an Ionia County facility, Tuesday night.

In the statement he says, “Herbruck’s is fully operational following the fire that destroyed a single building on Tuesday, April 30. No Herbruck’s employees or first responders were injured. The building was occupied by approximately 250,000 hens at the time of the fire and sadly none of the birds in this building survived. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our hens."

Firefighters battled the fire at the poultry farm into early Wednesday morning.

The fire started around 6 p.m. Tuesday on the property of Herbruck's Poultry Ranch.

The ranch is located on M-66 and Portland Road in Berlin Township.

Fire officials said the fire was out just before 3 a.m. Wednesday.

According to our affiliate WOOD-TV, dispatchers say the fire began in a back barn.

The statement goes on to say that the company is working closely with the fire department and that an investigation of what started the fire is under way.

It adds that "it will likely take several weeks for officials to determine the cause."

The company states that it plans to rebuild.

In the statement Herbruck thanks local contractors who have been onsite since Tuesday night, the first responders in Ionia County, his employees for their quick response, and the community’s continued support during what he calls "this difficult time."

He ends the statement by saying, "Last night’s fire will not impact our ability to serve our many valued customers.”