Laurel firefighters battled a fire that started in a garage and chicken coop in subzero temperatures on Thursday afternoon.

Thick smoke poured from the building at 1959 Shay Road as crews worked to control the blaze, which was reported at about 12:40 p.m.

Laurel Deputy Fire Chief Corey McIlvain said the fire was doused within an hour and that firefighters then focused on mopping up.

“They are working on some round bales that were next to the barn,” McIlvain said.

Fire Marshal Gary Colley said the fire was accidental and appears to have started in the building’s chicken coop area due to an electric heater.

The building contains a garage, chicken coop and storage area. Colley said it was a total loss. No injuries were reported and the building is insured.

However, Colley said that a number of chickens died in the fire.