Davenport hay truck fire quickly snuffed

DAVENPORT-If hay bales being transported in a semitruck are destined to catch on fire, it's helpful to have a fire chief driving the truck to ensure the threat is quickly neutralized. That's what happened here last Friday afternoon, when seven hay bales on a flatbed truck being transported through the city ignited.

The truck was owned by Matt Schneider, and it was being driven by Fire District No. 5 chief Craig Sweet.

Upon ignition, Sweet drove the truck in front of the fire station on Seventh Street, where retired district volunteer Fred Bell was ready to fan the flames. The two worked on hosing down the flames until four more volunteers arrived to assist.

Sweet estimated it took about 60-90 minutes for the fire to be subdued, then Bell and his crew worked on cleaning up the hay mess made. About 90% of the hay was salvaged and able to be fed to Schneider's cattle, he said.

The fire was caused when a bale pushed against the truck's exhaust while on the road. No damage was caused to the truck or trailer, Sweet said.