CLINTON, Ky. (AP) — A blaze that tore through an award-winning country ham business in Western Kentucky burned much of the 100,000-square-foot facility to the ground.

Media reported that fire crews were called to Harper's Country Hams in Hickman County before daybreak Wednesday and spent much of the day getting the blaze under control, then putting out hot spots.

Hickman County Fire and Rescue Chief David Cox said windy conditions caused the blaze to spread quickly. The state fire marshal's office is investigating.

Company president Dolores Harper told The Paducah Sun that she doesn't know what the future holds for the company, which employed 70 workers.

West Kentucky Star reports Harper's has won six grand champion awards at the Kentucky State Fair.

The company's website says Harper's has been producing country hams since 1952.