A fire that burned 12 hectares of land near Holbein just over a week ago is believed to have been human-caused. (submitted photo/Darcy-Dawn Ratt)

By Ronald Quaroni

HOLBEIN FIRE

Holbein fire still under investigation

Apr 30, 2019 | 2:03 PM

More details are emerging from the Holbein fire.

The wildfire was reported the afternoon of April 22. Fire crews were able to contain the fire later that night and it was officially reported out April 24.

“Its final size was 12 hectares and it is believed to be human caused, but it’s still under investigation,” Dennis Trueman, the provincial fire centre manager said.

He explained there are a number of potential fire starters that can be attributed to humans.

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“Power lines, it could be a campfire that got away from somebody or it could be a cigarette,” Trueman told paNOW.

He hopes people exercise caution while dry conditions persist in the area.

“If you do have a fire, make sure it’s attended until out,” Trueman said. “Just be aware of the surroundings, the weather. Be careful with your fires.”

A long list of R.M.’s and communities continue be under a fire ban including the R.M.’s of Shellbrook, Duck Lake, Buckland and Prince Albert.

Two straight months of far below average precipitation amounts has left the area very dry.

Terri Lang, a meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said as of Monday, 7.3 mm of precipitation fell in Prince Albert this month. The amount is a long way off the 27.4 mm average.

With moisture content getting low, a forecast of rain would be welcomed news, but Lang said it’s tough to predict rain amounts.

“The precipitation that is coming (short term) is more spotty in nature, so it’s kind of a hit and miss situation,” Lang said. “Not everyone is going to get a big blanket of moisture sadly.

“There’s lots of chances to bring up those totals, but we’ll see what mother nature has up her sleeve.”

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Ron.quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni