READING, Kan. (AP) — A pair of early-morning hay barn fires in east-central Kansas have been declared arson, and authorities are asking the state fire marshal’s office to help investigate.

Lyon County Sheriff Jeff Cope told KVOE-AM on Thursday that officials ruled out lightning or other natural causes after checking with the National Weather Service.

The two fires were reported within an hour of each other starting at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday near the Lyon county town of Reading (REHD’-ing). Damage to one of the hay barns is estimated at $100,000. The loss to the other is estimated at $15,000.

A $1,000 reward for information has been posted by Lyon County Crime Stoppers.