Clues sought in string of field fires

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

CLOVERDALE -- Fire investigators at Cloverdale are trying to figure out who or what is responsible for a recent string of field fires on property along Stardust Road.

Cloverdale resident Don Gedert owns the 120-acre field where a total of eight hay bales have burned in a series of fires beginning last week. Tuesday night was the fourth time the Cloverdale Township Vol. Fire Dept. was called to extinguish the fires and the second time in the same day, Gedert said.

"Apparently the perpetrators took advantage of the foggy conditions this morning," Gedert told the Banner Graphic at the scene Tuesday night.

Fire Investigator Steve Walters estimated the fires have caused about $1,000 in lost revenue for the farmer who cuts and bales the hay on Gedert's property. Gedert said the farmer lives in another town.

"It's highly suspicious of arson," Gedert said. "Whoever's doing it thinks they are causing me monetary harm, but it's not my hay."

Walters said he has not been able to determine how the fires are starting, however, he isn't ruling out arson.

"I'm pretty sure I can rule out spontaneous combustion," Walters said.

In the meantime, Gedert is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of suspects in this case.

Walters is requesting tips be placed by calling either the Cloverdale Police Department or the Cloverdale Twp. Fire Department.

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  • Maybe its related to those goofy ol Town Council characters..They DO argue,file suits and give each other wedgies and much more over the fire depts.Maybe a disgruntled member is trying to cause havoc?Anything is possible down there in "Dysfunction Junction"

    -- Posted by honestyisbestpolicy on Wed, Oct 1, 2008, at 6:03 AM
  • if the hay was bailed when wet or got wet it will catch fire on its own. Why would anyone light a bail on fire?

    -- Posted by nascar_Couple on Wed, Oct 1, 2008, at 7:42 AM
  • Why would anyone light a bale on fire? For the same reason they egg cars or smash mailboxes. It is called juvenile delinquency.

    -- Posted by cloverlady on Wed, Oct 1, 2008, at 9:30 AM
  • Adults do these things too.

    Have we ruled out global warming yet? Don't worry though, McCain and Obama will save us!

    -- Posted by hoop2077 on Wed, Oct 1, 2008, at 12:11 PM
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