The City of Wahpeton said Thursday that the Wahpeton Fire Department and Richland County Emergency Management will monitor work by contractors who have been brought in to break up the piles of hay at the Masonite Primeboard facility.

A fired consuming large stacks of hay started on August 21 and continued so smolder after it was put out by the Wahpeton Fire Department.

Efforts to contain the fire have been tried over the last six days as it burned, but high winds in the forecast have forced the need for an additional response.

Two contractors will break up the piles in an effort to get to more of the still burning hay.

The Wahpeton Fire Department will monitor the situation and an airplane from the Wilbur-Ellis Company will be available to drop additional water if needed.