COLUMBIA, MO (April 16, 2011) -

Columbia and Boone County fire fighters responded to a report of a structure fire at Nifong Park, 2900 Nifong Blvd, at 2:45 PM on Saturday, April 16, 2011.

Initial reports from a park patron indicated that the barn just south of the Maplewood Barn site was on fire and smoke could be seen coming from the barn.

Fire fighters arrived at 2:50 PM and noted light smoke coming from the barn. Fire fighters discovered a single hay bale smoldering and quickly removed and extinguisher the hay bale. The fire scorched a small section of plywood wall material inside the barn but caused no other or structural damage.

Columbia fire investigators determined the likely cause of the smoldering hay bale to be spontainious combustion and an intentionally set fire is not suspected.

Straw and grasses in hay bales are consistently decaying and creating heat which is believed to be what happened in this case.

Boone County Fire units consisting of tankers were requested shortly after Columbia Fire units responded as fire protection water supplies within the park area are limited.

The damage is estimated to be less then $100 for the hale bale and scorched plywood wall board.

 

# # #