Image Courtesy of Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal

WESTOVER, Md. – A farm in Westover has lost tens of thousands of dollars after hundreds of straw bales burned on Tuesday evening.

On Jul. 7 at 8:25 p.m., crews with the Marion Volunteer Fire Department and other local companies responded to the 6400 block of George Riggins Road after a passerby discovered a fire. Authorities say approximately 700 straw bales caught on fire and burned for 45 minutes before being put out by a team of 30 firefighters.

The damage to the straw bales is estimated to be valued at $50,000. Straw bales are considered valuable due to their usage in agriculture, gardening, construction, and erosion control.

The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is currently investigating the origin and cause of the fire.