Firefighters See Increase In Hay Fires - | News for Yuma, Imperial Valley, El Centro, AZ & CA

Firefighters See Increase In Hay Fires

YUMA, AZ - Firefighters have had their hands full responding to multiple hay fires this July, and according to Rural Metro Fire Department the time of year has a lot to do with it.

Charlie McMurdie from Rural Metro says "It is Monsoon season right now so the moisture in the hay is really high and that is what creates the bacteria which heats up and creates the hay stack fires."

McMurdie says whether you farm hay or haul the hay on a semi truck precautions need to be taken when stacking the hay and hauling it.

She says those who farm hay or have stacks of it on their property keep an eye on it especially this time of year and if it feels warm or it looks like it is smoldering maybe start breaking it down to avoid a hazard.

Firefighters say it's really hard to determine why a hay stack fire occurs on trucks but it usually happens for one of two reasons. McMurdie tells News 13 "Either hot breaks, something ignites from the truck or somebody tosses a cigarette."

Firefighters say like most fires you can't predict when a truck hauling hay could ignite, but nearby drivers need to be cautious.

McMurdie says it is a little dangerous because you don't know if it's going to catch fire while you're driving past it. My suggestion is if you come up on it and your able to pass it go ahead and pass it and continue on your way."