Fires destroy three major haystacks in Eastern Washington

Police in eastern Washington are trying to figure out who has been intentionally torching haystacks near the tiny town of Mattawa.

Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones says in the last two weeks two fires burned three major haystacks to the ground. Jones says he doubts local kids have been setting the fires.

“They are usually out helping you know stacking these haystacks and running the equipment that cut the crops to make these stacks out of. So to say these are agricultural kids I wouldn’t necessarily say that,” Jones said.

Both fires caused more than $100,000 in losses and damage. High-quality hay is a valuable commodity. Many Northwest farmers ship their bales to countries like Japan and Korea. Jones is asking anyone with information to call his office.

Copyright 2012 Northwest Public Radio

On the Web:

• Anyone with information about the hay stack fires should call the Grant County Sheriff’s Office at 509-762-1160 or send information to crimetips@co.grant.wa.us. Tipsters can remain anonymous.