HOLLISTON BARN
Neighbors pitched in to rescue livestock
Three piglets, four Pekin ducks and six chickens escaped a raging barn fire in Holliston yesterday that killed dozens of livestock and saw neighbors crawling through thorn bushes to corral the panicked escapees. Haunted neighbors spoke of being awoken about 6 a.m. by the shrieks of animals trapped in pens.
“We woke up to the sound of animals screaming. It was bloodcurdling screaming. It was just heartbreaking. Animals are so defenseless,” said Nancy McPhee, who called 911. “It burned for a long time.”
Sandra Yee, who grew up on a farm in Brazil, ran toward the maelstrom with cookies to try to capture a baby pot belly pig. Yee later grabbed a pair of hedge clippers to cut a path through a thicket of thorns and mud for animal control officers and the Animal Rescue League armed with nets. Exhausted, she broke down crying during the effort.
“The animals were screaming and screaming and you can’t do anything for them. It was a nightmare,” Yee said. “I’m still in shock.”
State Fire Marshal Peter J. Ostroskey said last night no cause has been determined for the inferno. “We’re still early in the investigation,” he said.
“It was well ahead of us when we got here. There’s nothing left to it. There’s a few charred corner posts sticking up, that’s about it,” Holliston Deputy Fire Chief Jim Moore said of the 200-by50-foot barn that stood on a hill overlooking Concord Street on the Ashland town line.
Holliston Health Director Scott Moles said the animals are owned by Rebecca Brodie of Hollistonbased Brodie Farms. She leased the barn, he said. Brodie could not be reached for comment.
The town and state had been monitoring the property. Citing the ongoing investigation, Moles would only say, “We had con-