Two Salina men were arrested in connection to an August arson fire that consumed thousand of dollars worth of hay and farming equipment.

According to Saline County Undersherrif Roger Soldan, 23-year-old Travis Novak and 24-year-old Justin Beetch were taken into custody on Saturday after an investigation that included the Kansas State Fire Marshal.

Authorities allege that on August 4th, the two ignited a fire that consumed a shed, over 720 bales of alfalfa hay plus farm equipment in the 10500 block of S. Gypsum Valley Road.

Owner Jeff Knopf estimated he had approximately 729 bales inside the shed. A JCB wheel loader, valued at $112,000 was destroyed as well as the building worth $120,000.

Total loss was estimated at $341,350.