Reicks View Farms at 1020 Pembroke Ave., Lawler, lost around 4,400 sows in five farrowing buildings on Saturday morning, said Protivin Fire Chief Brad Moudry.
He stated the call went out to Protivin firefighters at 12:41 a.m. on May 29. “We thought we might have had it under control, and then the wind changed direction a couple of times. This is the biggest fire I’ve had in my career in this fire district.”
Moudry figures around 300,000 gallons of water was used, with water coming from two ponds and a creek.
There were between 60 and 70 firefighters helping with the blaze, staying until around 8 a.m.
Besides Protivin, five other fire departments helped with the blaze including Cresco, Elma, Alta Vista, New Hampton and Lawler.
In addition, Chickasaw Rescue, Chickasaw Ambulance and Chickasaw Sheriff’s Department were on scene.