Aug 20, 2025

Sheriff: Thousands of dollars in damage after rural Kansas fire

Posted Aug 20, 2025 7:30 PM
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SALINE COUNTY—A fire in rural Saline County caused thousands of dollars in damage.

Just before 9a.m. Tuesday,  a metal pole style building fire was reported at 6304 W. Thorstenberg Road, according to Saline County Sheriff's Captain Jim Hughes.

The fire destroyed 150 large round hay bales valued at $12,000, a Massey Ferguson swather with header valued at $40,000 and the 60-foot by 80-foot metal building.  Owner, Miguel Contreras, did not have a value of the building. 

The cause of the fire is suspected wet hays bales that spontaneously combusted, according to Hughes.