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Flames burn on hay on Baltrusch Farms north of Havre. Up to 500 tons of hay was destroyed by the fire that started Thursday. The fire is now contained but continues to smoulder.
Firefighters respond to a fire Thursday burning hay at Baltrusch Farms north of Havre.
Firefighters respond to a fire Thursday burning hay at Baltrusch Farms north of Havre.
Firefighters respond to a fire Thursday burning hay at Baltrusch Farms north of Havre.
Fires burn hay this morning at Baltrusch Farms north of Havre.
Firefighters use heavy equipment while fighting a hay fire at Baltrusch Farms north of Havre.
Firefighters have been working since Thursday evening to put out a blaze at Baltrusch Farms where 400 to 500 tons of hay caught on fire.
The fire was caused by moisture in the bales, Havre Fire Department Fire Chief Mel Paulson said this morning.
"When it's cut down, it builds up heat and then combusts - rapid oxidation," Paulson said.
Les Rispens, Hill County executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency, said prices for quality hay are up to $150 a ton, meaning the loss to Baltrusch farms could be $75,000 or more.
The call came in about 8:35 p.m. Thursday and three fire departments with a total of six or seven engine responded. In addition to the Havre Fire Department, which responded with nine firefighters and two engines, the Wildhorse Volunteer Fire Department and the Bear Paw Volunteer Fire Department brought three or four fire engines.
The weather, Paulson added, was of great help. The few rain drops that fell this morning,, combined with cool temperatures, went a long way from further feeding the fire.
The fire was well under control by 9 a..m. this morning, Paulson said, though it will probably continue to smolder for a couple more days.
Firefighters will continue to remain on the scene until it is completely out, he said.
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