Melfort fire crews were called to this combine fire near the city in 2023. FIre Chief Leonard Whitney urges caution during this dry season. (Melfort Fire & Rescue/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Fire caution

Melfort Fire Chief urges caution as dry conditions could lead to more grass, brush fires

Aug 22, 2024 | 11:51 AM

The dry conditions across much of the region have led to ideal conditions for brush and grass fires.

A combine fire in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Corman Park, south of Saskatoon, erupted into a brushfire that led to two homes being destroyed.

Melfort Fire Chief Leonard Whitney told northeastNOW we’re in the time of year when everything is dry and matted.

“The slightest little spark can start a fire,” Whitney said. “Little fires of course turn into big fires sometimes, so it’s just a matter of being overcautious.”

He said fires can be ignited by something as small as a discarded cigarette butt and farmers using welders in the field or equipment fires can also lead to larger blazes. Whitney said it’s important to be aware of where the dry grass is located.

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Many farmyards have water trucks available, and Whitney said it is never a bad idea to have them at the ready in case a fire is sparked with harvest underway. Thankfully, the hot, dry conditions haven’t resulted in a jump in fire calls for the Melfort fire department.

“We’re definitely a little surprised. Our numbers are lower this year than previous years, which is a good thing,” said Whitney. “It is definitely not the norm for being this dry as well, usually we see a fair bit more.”

Whitney reminds producers to call the provincial controlled burn line to report any controlled fires they start.

“We just want to make sure that when they do have a controlled burn that it’s called in so that they don’t get an unexpected visit from the fire department, and that we’re aware that it’s going on so that we can be prepared in case something does happen.”

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK