Davenport hay truck fire quickly snuffed

DAVENPORT-If hay bales being transported in a semitruck are destined to catch on fire, it's helpful to have a fire chief driving the truck to ensure the threat is quickly neutralized. That's what happened here last Friday afternoon, when seven hay bales on a flatbed truck being transported through the city ignited.

The truck was owned by Matt Schneider, and it was being driven by Fire District No. 5 chief Craig Sweet.

Upon ignition, Sweet drove the truck in front of the fire station on Seventh Street, where retired district volunteer Fred Bell was ready to fan the flames. The two worked on hos...