Fire investigators have declared a barn at Docheff Dairy east of Longmont a total loss. The hay burning inside may smolder for days.
Flames were reported at the dairy about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday in a pole barn.
The hay, along with a loader and windrower, was destroyed.
“All I can say is, yes, it was a very big loss and the amount is unknown now; there’s really not much else to say,” said Jim Docheff Sr., who owns the barn.
Mountain View Fire Rescue Deputy Chief Steve Pischke estimates the fire will burn for another three to four days.
“When you get 900 tons of hay piled high and tightly packed, it’s going to burn awhile,” Pischke said.
Firefighters are no longer on the scene but are checking on it periodically. Pischke said equipment was left at the fire so crews would have quick access if the situation changes.
“We’re waiting to see what the weather is going to do, whether it will cooperate or be windy and stormy,” Pischke said.
Rain and wind could prolong the burn, Pischke said.
“Hay fires are really hard to put out,” Pischke said. “Water just makes the fire smolder because the water can’t penetrate the hay. It’s like water on a duck’s back — it gets in an inch or two, that’s it. And the cows won’t eat anything that’s had smoke in it.”
Bianca Davis: 303-954-1698 or bsmith-davis@denverpost.com
