Haying operations spark recent fires

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.

Assistance was also provided by the Black Hills National Forest, which responded with an engine, crew, helicopter and chief officer.

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 is 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 that can be taken when haying include raising your swather head, checking for rocks before beginning the haying process and taking an ample supply of water with you to quickly douse any sparks.

If a fire does begin, Harrison asks that you call it in immediately, even if you believe you are able to extinguish it yourself.

If it runs away from you, he says, that means firefighters will already be en route.

“We would much rather not be needed than have to call out three or four zones,” he says.