Associated Press - April 24, 2009 6:14 AM ET

LITTLETON, Ill. (AP) - Schuyler County authorities say a fire killed an estimated 2,800 pigs and an undetermined number of piglets.

Authorities say Littleton firefighters were called to the farm late Wednesday after a passer-by spotted smoke at the farm, located in Schuyler County between Industry and Rushville. Firefighters from six other communities were called to the scene to help extinguish the fire.

Timberline LLC is owned by a group of farmers from Missouri, Illinois and Iowa who hired Carthage Veterinary Service to manage the location.

Dr. Bill Hollis of Carthage Veterinary said Thursday there are usually about 5,600 sows are kept in four building on the farm. He said about half were killed in the fire.

No cause for the fire has been given.

Information from: Journal Star, http://pjstar.com

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