(Updated 10:35-a.m.)

Quick action by the owners of a hog confinement facility northeast of Shelby saved about 200 hogs from a fiery death, but anywhere from 75-to 100 of the animals were lost during a blaze Thursday night. Shelby Fire Chief Eric Wendt told KJAN news the building at 515 Hazel Road was fully engulfed in flames and the roof of the building had collapsed. Wendt said the structure was capable of holding 2,500 of the animals, but there were 350 inside at the time the blaze broke out .

Photo’s from the Harlan Fire & Rescue Dept.’s Facebook page.

Firefighters from Shelby, Harlan, Avoca, Minden and Elk Horn responded to the scene after motorist passing by reported seeing flames. Crews remained on the scene for about 5-hours. Wendt said the cause of the fire appears to have been a short in an electrical panel for the lighting, auger and related equipment.

No injuries were reported, but the loss was substantial. The animals and structure were valued at $400,000. Wendt said the mutual aid they received was greatly appreciated.