Authorities suspect a hay fire that flared up south of Kalispell on Wednesday afternoon was intentionally set.  

The hay was baled and piled in a field near the corner of Demersville Road and Foys Bend Lane when it went up in flames at about 1:30 p.m., July 9. Crews from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Creston and Somers-Lakeside fire departments and West Valley and South Kalispell fire and rescues battled the blaze through the afternoon as gusts ripped through the flats at speeds up to 32 mph. 

“The wind is not helping,” said Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Stefan Karchut as he surveyed the fire about an hour into the fight. 

The investigation into the fire’s origins is ongoing, but Karchut said officials are looking at the case as arson as it is the third time in recent weeks that a fire has ignited on the property. The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.  

One suspect, a 12-year-old boy, was taken into custody near the scene of the fire. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on a second suspect, described as a white man in his mid-40s with a blue Toyota pickup. 

Damages are estimated at $100,000. Sandy O’Connell, the owner of the property, said the hay was bound for trail projects in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. 

“There were three stacks, all certified, all perfect hay,” she said. “We work day and night putting up this hay.” 

“I’m ticked off by the total lack of respect,” she added. 

The fire was still active Wednesday evening. O’Connell suspected that crews would be working through the night to squelch the blaze. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley may be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].