Check hay bales for heat build-up, Decorah Fire Department warns

The Decorah Fire Department was called to 2877 Highway 52 last Monday to discover that the farmer was removing round bales from a open ended hoop building half full of round bales.  The Fire Department assisted in putting out the burning round bales after they were removed from the building.  About 20 bales were destroyed.  A part of the building tarp roof was damaged as well. 

The cause of the fire is believed to be spontaneous combustion due to wet hay.   The Department was on scene for about an hour and used about 4,000 gallons of water.  No one was injured and no cost estimated is available on the damage.   Decorah Fire Department was assisted by Winneshiek Medical Center Ambulance, Winneshiek Sheriff office and Mabel Fire Department.