A storage bin filled with bales of straw caused a small but pesky fire — and plenty of smoke — Saturday at Orscheln Farm & Home.
Iola firefighters were on the scene within minutes of the call just around noon and had to attack the storage unit from both the front and back.
A thick plume of smoke filled the parking lot, and gave the interior of the store a smoky aroma, as the fire burned.
Firefighters used a saw to cut into the rear wall of the container in order to spray foam on the burning hay bales.
Employees suspect the hay inside the unit became hot enough to ignite.
Iola Fire Chief Corey Isbell, who has not listed the cause, said such phenomena has occurred, particularly when fresh, damp bales are contained within dryer bales.
“It can get pretty hot,” Isbell said.
