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Firefighters attend a grassfire near Whitfield Road (Buckland Fire and Rescue/Facebook)
Grass Fires

Fire departments deal with two grass fires

Apr 8, 2021 | 5:07 PM

Local fire departments are asking the public to be careful after a pair of grass fires in separate areas Wednesday afternoon.

The Prince Albert Fire Department was called to a fire east of the city in the RM of Prince Albert around 1:30 p.m.

When a crew of six people arrived, the unoccupied property had multiple buildings, farmland, and bushes on fire. They spent six hours containing things.

Deputy Fire Chief Alex Paul told paNOW the fire was caused by a failure of electrical equipment owned by SaskPower.

“[The fire] was out of control when we first arrived [and] it burned approximately 80 acres of fields,” he said.

He explained the long dry grass and significantly high winds contributed to the blaze.

“I think the province is supposed to be in a fairly dry position this spring unless we get some rain in the very near future.We anticipate having more grass fires,” Paul said. “We certainly caution the public to be very careful if they’re doing any burning and to make sure they have their permits in place.”

Paul said it’s important for the public, until there is more moisture, to keep their grass cut low to the ground.

Meanwhile, Buckland Fire and Rescue and the Shellbrook Fire Department responded to a wildland fire around 2 p.m. five miles north on Whitfield Road.

Buckland Fire and Rescue Chief Garry Schrader said they were called to assist by Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA). Three tankers, engine 52 and 20 firefighters were used to fight five hectares of grassland and brush on fire.

He explained the cause is under investigation but did say the grass was dry.

“With the wind we had yesterday it was rolling pretty good,” he said.

He explained the public should be alert to what they’re burning.

“Just be careful, like I said, spring is here and the grass is getting drier,” Schrader said.

Fire Ban

Meanwhile as these dry conditions prevail across the wider region, the RM of Leask has issued a fire ban as of April 8. it will remain in effect until further notice. Those who don’t abide by the regulations could be subject to a fine.

Ian.gustafson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @iangustafson12