Massive Chicken Farm Fire Destroys 14,000 Birds

Walton County farm suffers major loss just days before chickens were set to be processed.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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A devastating fire at Sunshine Farms in Walton County, Georgia has resulted in the loss of 14,000 chickens, just days before they were scheduled to be processed and sent to grocery stores. The family-owned farm, which has been in operation for nearly 30 years, is now facing a significant financial setback from the unexpected tragedy.

Why it matters

The loss of 14,000 chickens represents a major blow to the local food supply chain, as these birds were destined for grocery store shelves across the region. Sunshine Farms is a longtime producer in the metro Atlanta area, and this incident highlights the vulnerabilities that small, family-owned farms can face from unexpected disasters.

The details

The fire broke out on the morning of January 13th at one of Sunshine Farms' chicken houses. By the time firefighters arrived, all 14,000 chickens inside had perished. The chickens were less than a week away from being transported to a processing plant. Claudia Ramos, whose family owns the farm, says the loss represents about half of their normal income, a devastating financial hit for the small business.

  • The fire occurred on the morning of January 13, 2026.
  • The 14,000 chickens were less than a week away from being transported to a processing plant.

The players

Sunshine Farms

A family-owned chicken farm in Walton County, Georgia that has been in operation for nearly 30 years, producing chickens for the local and regional food supply.

Claudia Ramos

The daughter of the owners of Sunshine Farms, who spoke to reporters about the devastating impact of the fire that killed 14,000 of the farm's chickens.

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What they’re saying

“They lost half of the income of what they would normally get. That's a big hit, because, obviously, that's your income, that's your livelihood. Farming industry is hard on anyone.”

— Claudia Ramos, Daughter of Sunshine Farms owners (WSB-TV)

“This is a big, you know, defeat.”

— Claudia Ramos, Daughter of Sunshine Farms owners (WSB-TV)

“In the state of Georgia, 14,000 chickens, 14,000 meals.”

— Claudia Ramos, Daughter of Sunshine Farms owners (WSB-TV)

What’s next

Walton County firefighters are still investigating the cause of the fire that destroyed the 14,000 chickens at Sunshine Farms.

The takeaway

This tragic fire at a small, family-owned farm highlights the fragility of the local food system and the devastating impact that unexpected disasters can have on producers. As consumers, we must continue to support our local farmers and be mindful of the challenges they face in bringing food to our tables.