Yakima, WA (AHN) -- Federal authorities are investigating a fire which will have a serious impact on the American domestic beer industry after a storage of hops was destroyed.

A fire struck a warehouse operated by S.S. Steiner Inc., in Yakima Valley, in Washington State, destroying 40,000 square feet, or 4 percent of America's yield of hops.

According to experts, America grows 24 percent of the world's hops, and of that three-fourths of U.S. production comes from Yakima Valley.

While the exact numbers are not yet know, the fire could cost the company $3.5 to $4 million, as well as having a ripple effect on the American alcoholic industry.

Hunt your way across North America's most breathtaking environments. Your American Dream Starts Behind the Wheel of Your Own Big Rig!

More Weird News From 2006-10-03 The day's offbeat stories from around the world. • 50 Violations Found In W.Va Capitol Cafeteria • Four Percent Of America's Hop Yield Up In Flames • Baby Sitter Frightens Parents By Picking Up Wrong Boy From School • Neiman Marcus Gift Book Includes Space Flight, BMW • Dog Stage Mothers Charge L.A. Agency • Warehouse Fire Destroys 4 Percent Of America's Hops Output • Brazilian Police Released Two Killers Until Voting Polls Closed • Study: Lifting Sunday Alcohol Ban Raises Crash and Death Count • Woman Chases Husband With An Ax • Russian Government Issued "Hellish" Warning • Police Officer Is Crowned Mr. Gay U.K. • Hong Kong Travelers Told Not To Wear Bullet Amulets • Boxer Sheds His Clothes To Make Weight • Train Conductor In Hot Water For Stopping Train And Having A Cigarette Break • Woman Spends 30 Days In Kennel To Raise Money For Animal Shelter • Fans Get New Car After Driving 9320 Miles To Watch Their Team Play • A Real Clown Runs For Mayor Of Alameda • Thief Abandons Stolen Car After Realizing A Child Was Sleeping In The Backseat • Huge Breast Implants Save Woman From Car Crash   « Current Weird News Stories