VERSAILLES, Ohio — Authorities estimate that about 83,000 chickens were killed in a barn fire at a western Ohio egg farm.

About 70 firefighters were called out shortly before 4 a.m. today to fight the fire near Versailles.

The barn is on a farm owned by Kissinger Brothers Poultry and was fully engulfed when firefighters arrived.

Fire officials say the barn was a total loss and estimate damage at about $1.5 million.

Authorities say the cause of the fire is under investigation.