Jefferson County Fire crews put out large haystack fire, say older hay bales spontaneously combusted

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) – Jefferson County Fire & EMS crews responded Sunday morning to put out a haystack fire that was found to be to a large pile of 2- to 3-year-old hay bales that had spontaneously combusted.

The report came in shortly after 7 a.m. in the area of South Adams Drive, Deputy Chief of Prevention Jared Earnest said. Crews arrived to find the large haystack actively burning but not threatening any structures, he said.

Several personnel and apparatus were dispatched to put out the fire, Earnest said, and were provided “invaluable” assistance from the property owners who provided heavy machinery.

Due to the size and number of older bales that were on fire, the pile was pulled apart and moved to a large gravel clearing. Earnest said the fire will continue to smolder and put up smoke, possibly for a few days.

Jefferson County Fire and EMS offered thanks to Warm Springs Fire and Safety for providing an ambulance for area coverage during the incident.

Officers on scene determined the fire began from spontaneous combustion from decomposing natural vegetation, Earnest said. Losses were estimated at $5,000.