Questioning starts in haystack arson

COEUR d'ALENE — A fire Sunday that destroyed a haystack on the north side of Coeur d'Alene, causing an estimated $33,000 in damage, was arson, investigators said.

"The cause of the fire has been determined to be intentional," said Craig Etherton, Coeur d'Alene Fire spokesman.

Etherton said evidence has been collected, but declined to specify what the evidence was, saying the investigation is still in its early stages.

Etherton on Monday said no suspect descriptions have been reported. However, some people who live in the vicinity of the fire will be questioned.

"We've dealt with some people who started fires in that area before, so we'll start there," Etherton said. "We'll follow where the investigation takes us, and hopefully we'll have some new leads to follow up on by (today)."

A reward for tips leading to the conviction of the suspect or suspects in the case is being offered.

The fire was reported around 5 a.m. in a field north of Canfield and west of Ramsey. When crews arrived, the stack of alfalfa hay owned by Craig Schneidmiller was fully involved.

The stack was outside next to another haystack.

"If the second pile was damaged by smoke, the total loss could jump up to $60,000," Etherton said. "One truckload was recently sold, but there was still quite a bit there."

Haystack fires are difficult to put completely out, requiring crews to spend extra time watching the site.

"It is still smoldering and probably will for some time," Etherton said Monday morning.

Coeur d'Alene Fire is collaborating with Coeur d'Alene Police on the case. A water tender from the Northern Lakes Fire District was called to the scene.

Those with information are urged to call 446-1854.