Madras, Ore. – Jefferson Co. Fire Dist. #1 Fire Chief Brian Huff says a fire about 13 miles from the district’s closest fire station destroyed an estimated $450,000 worth of hay and farming equipment. Despite it being outside of the fire district crews still responded.
Chief Huff says the owner reported it Sunday night, but it had burned for approximately an hour prior to the arrival of fire crews. The property owner lost 3 tractors, a bailer and a shop/service truck. The owner was able to save a 4th tractor with the assistance of fire fighters. They lost 280 tons of hay. The total dollar loss is estimated @ $450,000.
The cause is undetermined after investigation due to not being able to rule out self heating of organic materials (the hay) or the 800 foot electric cord that powered some of the block heaters on the tractors. There were no injuries or life loss relating to this fire.
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