Haying operations spark recent fires

Lightning is usually the biggest troublemaker when fire season gets underway, with human mistakes also playing their part.

This year, though, an unexpected culprit has made its presence felt in Crook County.

Hay swathers have caused five of the most recent fires, including one that was first reported on Saturday afternoon.

“They hit rocks and it causes a spark or a bearing goes out and gets hot,” says Fire Warden Charlie Harrison.

“The ones we have had this year appear to be caused by the spark from a rock.”

Swather fires have so far included two near Aladdin, one near Hulett, one at Coal Divi...