A grass fire in Flying Dust First Nation is under investigation after a camper was destroyed in the incident (submitted photo/Melvin Gladue)

By Elliott Knopp

Flying Dust Fire

Fire that consumed portable camper in Flying Dust First Nation under investigation

May 17, 2021 | 5:18 PM

A man in Flying Dust First Nation is recovering after a fire outside is home required emergency services to battle the blaze.

Melvin Gladue stated he was inside his home when he began to smell smoke. When he exited his house, he initially thought his neighbours may have been enjoying a bonfire in the empty lot between his residence and his neighbours home. He mentioned the empty lot was typically used to accommodate guests and gatherings. That’s when Gladue said he became aware of the fire.

Scene from the fire in Flying Dust First Nation (Melvin Gladue/Facebook

“My cousin, Christopher, pulled up and said the bush was on fire behind my house,” Gladue said.

“I called the fire department right away because I knew the wind was blowing toward my house, and it’s so dry right now. I got out the garden hose and started wetting things down. I scared my daughter because she couldn’t see me in the smoke. Mother Nature seemed to help, because the wind died down all of a sudden, giving the fire department time to arrive.”

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Meadow Lake Fire Chief Neil Marsh commented on the blaze, saying the grass fire damaged a camper and some loose items in the vicinity, but not much else.

Scene from the fire in Flying Dust First Nation (Melvin Gladue/Facebook)

Marsh is advising the public of very dry conditions and to act with caution when engaging in outdoor activities as the risk of causing a wildfire is significantly higher while fire bans are in place.

“Fire conditions are extreme, fire bans are still in place and everyone is urged to do anything outdoors with extreme caution. In these conditions, small fires can completely become very big and very destructive fires.”

Gladue said his health is in good condition aside from some lung pain presumably from smoke inhalation. He added he is thankful for the quick responses from the Meadow Lake Fire Department and the Flying Dust Fire Suppression Crew.

“Thank you to the Fire Department, police, Flying Dust Fire Suppression Crew and my cousin Chris for bringing his truck. So thankful and grateful things worked out. It could’ve been so much worse.”

Chief Marsh is reporting that the incident remains under investigation.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp