The Cresco Rural Fire Department responded to a hog confinement building on fire around 10 a.m. Monday. The fire blazed on a farm near the intersection of 160th St. and Robin Ave., just south of Schley, producing heavy clouds of smoke that were visible for miles.

    About 475 sows and at least 3,000 piglets died in the fire, according to Cresco Fire Chief Neal Stapelkamp.

    Dale Reicks owned the two-unit complex. One unit was lost in the fire, Stapelkamp said.

    Neighboring fire departments from Protivin, Elma, Lawler and Alta Vista and the Howard County Ambulance Service assisted at the scene.

    The cause of the fire is still under investigation.