MONTGOMERY, N.Y. -- Fire crews have been battling a massive hay fire for hours at Aden Brook Farm.
Roughly 5,000 tons of hay caught fire at the farm off Route 416. The farm produces and supplies hay to customers. Close to 20 fire departments -- about 70 firefighters -- were on scene trying to get it under control.
"It's a big mess," said farm owner Nick Fitzpatrick. "Any time there's this type of fire, it's probably one of the most difficult things in terms of time for a fire company to put out."
As of now, the cause is unknown, but the owner of the farm tells TWC News he believes it could have begun with a spark from a machine. Fire officials say the dry conditions and the heavy wind pose the biggest challenge to extinguishing the flames.
"The heavy wind is making it difficult to get ahead of the fire and hold it," explained Orange County fire coordinator Vini Tankasali. "Right now, we have most of the brush fire contained, which we've been able to keep away from area residences and any buildings at this point."
With no water system in the area, crews relied on tanker trucks. Fitzpatrick said he's thankful no one was hurt and that his focus now is on making sure business goes uninterrupted for the customers his farm serves.