Hundreds of hogs die in southern Minnesota fire

A barn fire in southern Minnesota has killed hundreds of hogs.

The fire broke out Monday at a farm about 12 miles northwest of Austin.

Freeborn County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Glen Strom says owner Dennis Magnuson had 6,000 hogs at the site in three barns. Only one barn caught fire, and it was a total loss.

Strom estimates hundreds of hogs died. He says the owner and employees were able to save some hogs and others escaped.

Fire departments from eight departments responded to the blaze, which took about two hours to control.

The Austin Daily Herald reports authorities don't know what caused the fire. The State Fire Marshal's office has been called in to investigate.

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