Haying operations spark recent fires

SUNDANCE (WNE) — Lightning is usually the biggest troublemaker when fire season gets underway, with human mistakes also playing their part. This year, though, an unexpected culprit has made its presence felt in Crook County.

Hay swathers have caused five of the most recent fires, including one that was first reported on Saturday afternoon.

“They hit rocks and it causes a spark or a bearing goes out and gets hot,” says Fire Warden Charlie Harrison. “The ones we have had this year appear to be caused by the spark from a rock.”

Swather fires have so far included two near Aladdin, one near Hulett, one at Coal Divide and the Ridge Fire that was controlled at just under 300 acres.

The most recent fire was reported at around 2:30 p.m. on July 20, says Harrison, leading to a response from Zone 19 and Moorcroft, Pine Haven and Sundance Volunteer Fire Departments. The fire was controlled at approximately 3.6 acres.

Harrison is reminding the community that the conditions right now are extremely dry, which means that fuels are receptive to sparks. He asks that hay cutting be planned for the late evening and early morning, because the humidity is higher at these times of day and this means the fuels are less likely to catch.

Additional precautions include raising the swather head, checking for rocks before beginning the haying process and carrying an ample supply of water so that sparks can be quickly doused.

If a fire does begin, Harrison asks that it be called in immediately, even if it might be extinguished without help. That way, if the fire gets out of control, firefighters will already be en route, he said.

This story was published on July 25, 2024.