HERMISTON, Ore. (AP) -- Firefighters say a blaze that started with one bale has destroyed nearly $1 million worth of hay at an Eastern Oregon business.
Hermiston Battalion Chief Dale Ternes says the hay, if consolidated from separate stacks, would have formed a mass about 25 feet high, 300 feet long and 150 feet wide.
The East Oregonian reports that a dark plume from the fire Thursday afternoon at Pacific Ag Solutions was visible for miles. It's expected to smolder for days.
The fire started when chopping machinery was processing a bale of hay. Firefighters say gusty winds quickly spread it.
Besides the hay, damages were estimated at about $500,000 in galvanized steel hay sheds, tools and about 40 large tractor tires.
