DVFD, DNRC Crews Contain Feedlot Hay Fire Near Dillon

The Dillon Volunteer Fire Department was called out Thursday evening to a fire on Sweetwater Road.

According to information from the scene, the fire was burning within a haystack inside a feedlot. Firefighters from the Dillon Volunteer Fire Department, along with crews from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), responded to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas.

Crews spent several hours dousing the burning hay with water while working to eliminate flames and hot spots deep within the stack. Approximately 40 hay bales were involved in the fire.

Hay fires can be particularly difficult to extinguish as heat can remain trapped within the bales long after visible flames have been knocked down. Firefighters worked through the evening to ensure the fire was fully contained and extinguished.

According to fire officials, the cause of the fire was determined to be hot equipment combined with high temperatures, low humidity, and windy conditions.

The fire was declared out and the scene was released back to the property owner at approximately 11:30 p.m. Thursday night.

No injuries were reported, and firefighters successfully confined the fire to the haystack area.