The Saline County Sheriffs Office is investigating a case of arson where several bales of hay were set on fire early Sunday morning.

The 82 round bales of hay were in a field near the intersection of Donmyer Road and Mentor Road in Saline County. Sheriff’s Deputies and rural firefighters were sent to the fire about 1:45a.m.

The hay was owned by Dennis Schwartz of Carlton, Kansas, and there were indications that the fire was intentionally started.

Authorities said the fire appeared to have been set in two places. There were also reports that the headlights of a vehicle had been seen in the area.  The fire burned over 3 hours before crews were able to put it out.

Loss is placed at $16,400.