Hay fire shuts down Highway 207 in Morrow County

Traffic on Highway 207 in Morrow County came to a stand-still for a short time Thursday afternoon while Deputies and firefighters worked to put out a hay fire.

The fire was reported at about 2:00 p.m. between Lexington and Hermiston.

Heppner Fire Department, Ione Fire Department, Fire Station 7, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon State Police and Morrow County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

According to the Sheriff's Office, several citizens also helped at the scene.  Corey Miller responded with a front end loader and Tim Rust with a water tender.  Blattner Energy also responded with a front end loader.  The highway was closed for several hours while the hay burned and so crews could get the truck and trailer removed.

Fire Department remained on site until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, and ODOT stayed there throughout the night while the hay continued to burn, and to assess any possible damage to the roadway.

(Video and photos courtesy of Trevor Rhea and Patrol Sergeant Todd Siex)