FARINA, Ill. — Approximately 40 fire departments from across the region responded last night to a massive fire at a chicken farm in northern Marion County that sent flames and smoke shooting so high into the air that they appeared on Weather Service radar.

The fire began around 6:30 last night at Farina Farms along Highway 37 and resulted in authorities closing the highway until early this morning. No one was at work at the time of the fire, but representatives of the operation said more than 1 million chickens were housed at the facility.

Marion County Sheriff Kevin Cripps reported multiple buildings spanning 200-300 yards long were on fire.

Initial reports say the fire claimed four buildings with a fifth saved with some possible smoke damage.  Other smaller buildings on the complex that did not house chickens were also saved.

Tanker trucks from 27 fire departments and several private companies shuttled water to the scene. Residents in the area are being asked this morning to conserve water in light of the massive amounts used overnight battling the blaze.

The towering pillar of smoke resembled a mushroom cloud and could be seen as far away as Effingham County. The National Weather Service says the fire and smoke cloud was spotted on Doppler radar between 12,000 and 15,000 feet high. The glow from the flames was reportedly seen in Salem.

No injuries have been reported. The State Fire Marshal has been called in to investigate the cause of the fire.