LAMPASAS (June 26, 2009)--Spontaneous combustion of hay Thursday afternoon caused a fire that consumed 300 bales of hay and destroyed a barn and mobile home in Lampasas County.

The property owners at 12919 North U.S. Highway 281 reported the fire, which was about 12 miles north of Lampasas.

Judy Randall, who lives on the property but in a separate house, heard her dogs barking at about 3:50 p.m. and upon investigation, she noticed the bales of hay and surrounding grass burning.

Lampasas County Fire Marshal Gene Hamilton told News 10 hay that is baled green creates a great deal of heat as it dries and that heat can cause the hay to spontaneously combust.

He has ruled that as the cause of Thursday's blaze.

Fire departments from Lampasas, Lometa and Adamsville responded to the alarm and were at the scene for three to four hours before they got the fire under control.

Hamilton said firefighters not only had to battle the blaze, but extreme heat, as well.

He said firefighters operated in two crews, one fighting the fire, the other recuperating and staying hydrated.

Hamilton said the hay, a small barn and a mobile home all were destroyed.