From the Past

Compiled from Delta Newspapers by the Delta County Historical Society

251 Meeker Street, Delta, Colorado, 81416  (970) 874-8721

From the Delta County Independent

August 22, 1913

During a heavy thunder shower accompanied by frequent flashes of lightening in the Cedaredge district last Thursday evening, one of those sharp flashes connected with stacks of hay on the farm of Dr. H. K. Gibbs and soon all was a solid mass of flames.

There were spectators to the lurid scene, it is reported, but nothing could be done to check the blaze and in a very few moments 110 tons of hay, one or more sheds and considerable fence, was in ashes.  The loss is conservatively estimated at between $800 and $1,000.

The residence and other buildings on the Gibbs farm were at sufficient distance from the fire to escape unscathed.  Mr. Gibbs many Delta county friends and acquaintances will regret to learn of his misfortune.

This is something we rarely hear about anymore.  Although, when I was a child I remember playing in our front yard when our neighbor across the road had one of their three haystacks burst into flames.

Everyone close by rushed to help Mr. and Mrs. Shock put out the fire, but nothing could be done to save the three haystacks.  By the time the Cedaredge Fire Department arrived all three stacks were on fire. Cedaredge is a good 20 minutes from where we lived so the time it took to call the operator (yes we still had telephone operators back then) have her alert the volunteer fire department and personnel, for everyone to arrive at the station and then drive down there a goodly amount of time had past. A goodly amount of time.

Momma watched with my brother and I while all the men did what they could.  When questioning her “WHY?!?!” She explained that the hay stack had gotten so hot inside that the fire started, which was a amazing thought to a small 6 or 7 year old.

Gradually I began to understand that when hay is stacked up still wet (or too fresh or too green, however you like to think of it) the heat will build until a fire will self-start.  A fire like that is called spontaneous combustion.

It was an amazing site and one that still stays with me even now.  Terry is very, very careful to never put up hay that is too wet for just this reason.  Also wet hay can mold, which is not good for animals to eat causing many air born and other illnesses.  It’s a matter of timing for good rich hay complete with the little leaves still attached to the stem.  The little leaves are the rich source of protein perfect for maintaining good health in animals.

Today is groomer day for the dogs…I’m sure Fuzzy isn’t going to appreciate where we are going.  But he will enjoy the ride (until we get there, that is!:))

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda