PULLMAN, Wash. — Pullman fire officials and Washington State University today were investigating a fire Friday afternoon that could cost WSU nearly $600,000.
David Dittmer, WSU facilities operations, said it could cost $500,000 to replace a concrete hay barn off of Country Club Road, southwest of Pullman. An estimated 150 tons of hay valued at $13,000 also was lost, along with a semi truck owned by F. R. Farms, Star Buck, and a university owned front end loader.
No injuries to the hay crew, or fire fighters were reported.
Richard Dragoo, Pullman Fire Department, said workers reported a spark from the exhaust of a front end loader being used to unload the truck caught a bale on fire.
The Pullman Fire Department is in charge of the investigation.
Dittmer said the university is investigating whether any of the structure is salvageable.
– 30 –