UPDATE: Crews continue battle against fire at Midway Straw Company in Johnson County

Community rallies as firefighters fight massive hay bale fire in Johnson County

UPDATE (11 p.m.) — Firefighters are still on the scene of a fire at Midway Straw Company on Highway 319 in Johnson County, which has been burning since around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Johnson County EMA Director Shawn Wombles confirmed late Wednesday night that the fire is still burning at its point of origin.

“We’re still monitoring it,” he said by phone.

Wombles said more than 15,000 bales of hay burned. He’s not sure yet what caused the fire but said there’s no reason to suspect foul play.

About 70 firefighters from multiple departments, including Sandersville, Harrison, Oconee, and Ohoopee, were involved throughout the day.

The community has chipped in as well. According to Wombles, business owners left their workplaces to help, and farmers provided tanker trucks. He said residents also helped retrofit trucks to fight the fire and brought food and water to the firefighters.

“We’re blessed we have good relationships with everyone around us,” he said.

Wombles said no injuries have been reported.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

ORIGINAL STORY:

JOHNSON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) — Crews from multiple fire departments are battling a fire at Midway Straw Company on Highway 319 in Johnson County that started around 7 a.m. Wednesday.

According to a post on the Sandersville Fire Department Facebook page, the fire has engulfed numerous large bales of hay. Sandersville, Harrison, Oconee and Ohoopee Fire Departments have each sent a truck to provide mutual aid.

No injuries have been reported at this time. There’s also no word on what started the fire.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.