Trailer fire destroys load of hay in rural Cheyenne County

CHEYENNE COUNTY, Neb. - A trailer loaded with hay was destroyed by fire after its brakes ignited, prompting a response from the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department, according to reports.

Fire crews were called to a rural property at 11972 Road 8 in Cheyenne County after reports of a trailer fire. Initial information indicates the fire started when the brakes on the trailer overheated and caught fire. The driver was able to pull the vehicle and trailer into the driveway of a nearby residence before the fire spread.

"On arrival of the fire department, the entire load was fully involved, with the land owner and the driver of the semi operating loaders essentially trying to unload the bales off of the trailer. When our guys got here we immediately went to structure protection and started putting out the fire," Fire Chief Matt Butts said.

Chief Butts estimated 30 bales of hay on the trailer.

"We're just going to contain it. We're taking care of the trailer first, make sure we don't have anything with the winds that are coming through here," he said.

Video from the scene showed a large amount of smoke and hay burning after falling off the trailer and onto the ground. 

The entire load of hay was considered a total loss. No information was immediately released regarding damage to the trailer or towing vehicle. No injuries were reported.

The Sidney Volunteer Fire Department responded with the Command unit, one tanker and two trucks.