Grant County officials investigate series of haystack fires

QUINCY — Officials in Grant County are investigating a series of haystack fires near Quincy.

The sheriff’s office and fire marshal say the most recent fire was reported on Wednesday at about 11:30 p.m. About 34 tons of hay were lost in the blaze. Loses from that fire alone topped $9,000. Officials say the fire was considered suspicious.

In April, officials reported investigating five intentionally set haystack fires during that month. The fires have caused several hundred thousand dollars in losses.

Authorities are appealing to the public for information about any suspicious people or vehicles seen in the area of the fires. They’re also warning farmers to be vigilant. The blazes all happened between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m.