GEARY COUNTY — Authorities investigating the cause of a Wednesday fire that destroyed a hay barn and approximately 150 large hay bales on the east side of the City of Milford have determined it was an arson fire, according to Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges

Just after 5:30 p.m., firefighters responded to the fire. Milford City Fire and Geary County Fire responded to the scene and Fort Riley Fire was asked to assist at the fire scene with water support since there were no fire hydrants in the immediate area.

The barn was filled with large bales of hay and alfalfa that was on fire when units arrived on scene. Firefighters and others were able to remove a tractor and implement away from the open sided building. There were seven other out buildings in the immediate area that were endangered due to embers from the fire being blown.

The fire was brought under control about 8:30 p.m. Milford firefighters remained on scene throughout the evening, and additional units were called back to the scene about 11:30 p.m. due to embers starting one of the out buildings on fire. That blaze was extinguished with minor damage reported. Fire units remained on scene until 9 a.m. Thursday.

Damage estimates are still being determined. The property was owned by Gabe Shandy of Milford.

The Geary County Fire Department and Geary County Sheriff’s Department are continuing to investigate.

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GEARY COUNTY — Authorities are investigating the cause of a fire at a hay barn in rural Geary County.

Just after 5:30p.m. Wednesday, crews responded to the blaze on the east side of Milford, according to Geary County Rural Fire Chief Garry Berges. 

Crews from Geary County, Fort Riley and Milford battled the high winds to put the fire out.There were no injuries.