A massive blaze at a farm in southern Illinois has left more than one million birds dead and the facility a total loss, officials said.
The fire broke out at approximately 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in Farina, a community located in Marion County, according to NBC affiliate KSDK.
Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps told KSDK that multiple buildings at the site were completely consumed by flames, with smoke visible for miles and more than two dozen fire departments called to help bring the blaze under control.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour confirmed on his Facebook page that more than one million birds were killed in the fire, which devasted the free-range Farina Farms chicken facility.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal. No injuries were reported during the massive response.
Feeling out of the loop? We'll catch you up on the Chicago news you need to know. Sign up for the weekly Chicago Catch-Up newsletter.
