Around 1,400 pigs died in an early morning fire this past Monday. A lightning strike is being blamed for the fire that completely destroyed a hog house owned by Prestage Farms on Boykin Bridge Road just north of Garland in Sampson County.

WRAL visited the scene and interviewed production manager Mark Daughtry for their coverage of the story. In the interview - both on behalf of the company and from a personal perspective - Mark effectively communicated reactions to the devastating event. 

While monetary damages are always a consideration, the story was appropriately focused on the safety of those who responded to the fire and the sadness of the loss of so many animals.

We commend Mark and the entire crew at Prestage for handling a difficult situation with poise, humanity, and professionalism. 

If you have not seen the story, you can access the WRAL video here.