Firefighters in Western Shawano County say overheated hay was the cause of an early Sunday morning fire that destroyed a hay ban at Matsche Farm in Birnamwood.
Bowler Fire Cheif Dan Ladwig said they do not know for sure.
“That is what we assume, but anything like that is hard to determine.”
Ladwig commented that the fire required the assistance of nine additional fire departments at two different water fill sites.
“We needed trucks to keep supplying water.”
Helping hands around the farm also pitched in, as crews battled the blaze.
Ladwig said Matsche employees played a large role.
“They got alot of the equipment like backhoes and a bulldozer to help get the hay spread out so we could hose it all down with water.”
While the total damages have not been determined, Ladwig estimates that it will somewhere around $130,000 dollars.
“I would say it was a little over $100,000 worth of hay, and a rough estimate of around $30,000 for the building, which was a total loss.”
The Matsche family said that they are thankful for the thoughts, prayers and support from the community.
The also confirmed that no people or animals were injured in the fire.
