A mechanical hay baler was damaged and approximately one acre of grass was scorched yesterday in the 39200 block of SE 278 Way, after the cut grass caught fire.

Firefighters from throughout the region were dispatched at 1:37 pm.

When the first units arrived, they found the grass fire spreading towards the property owner’s house. The first fire hoses were deployed to protect the home from damage. Once that was accomplished, crews worked to contain the fire and limit its spread.

Due to the quick actions of firefighters, only a third of the total cut grass was burned and none of the fire got to adjoining properties.

There were no reported injuries.

A fire investigator is working to determine the fire’s cause.

This fire is a reminder of how dry conditions are and the need for extra care by everyone. King County currently has a fire safety burn ban in place that applies to all types of non-recreational fires and BBQs for that reason.

To learn more about the burn ban, go to www.kingcounty.gov.

Photo courtesy Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority