State of emergency as fire burns southwest of Biggar

The Government of Saskatchewan reported late Tuesday morning that the fire that has been burning near Biggar since Monday was no longer posing a threat to the town.

During a conference call, Provincial Fire Commissioner Duane McKay said the fire reached within a few kilometres of the town before a change in the wind direction overnight. That also moved the smoke away from the community, improving air quality.

Efforts by volunteer firefighters and local farmers have paid off, with no reported injuries or damage to structures. No cause has been found.

“We have not completed the investigation. We’re still in a very active mode. We are sending an observation aircraft in the area that will map this,” said McKay.

Investigators will use the photos taken from above to find the point of origin.

Crews have contained three of the four flanks of the fire. Their main concern is on a nearby wilderness area and cattle pasture which is under threat due to the change in wind conditions.

“We’re trying to make sure that not only are we fighting the fire but we’re taking into account what the impacts might be. We’re trying to move cattle as well,” said McKay.

As crews continue to battle the flames, McKay urged the public to follow local fire bans in their municipalities during these extreme conditions.

“We would strongly encourage people not to use fire in any way until conditions change,” said McKay.

You can find more information including fire bans and the the fire danger map here.

Earlier in the day, the government issued warnings to people living in Biggar and Division 2 of the surrounding rural municipality due to the fire.

Shortly before 11:30 p.m., the province told people living in Biggar and in the R.M. of Biggar south of Highway 51 and west of Highway 4 including Duperow to be prepared to leave immediately should they be required to evacuate.

Those with health conditions that could be aggravated by heavy smoke in the area were advised to be prepared to evacuate to a reception area set up at the recreation complex located in the village of Purdue at 1124 10th St.

Just after 2:15 a.m. Tuesday, the province advised that smoke and poor air quality had prompted both town authorities and officials in the R.M. of Biggar #347 to declare states of emergency.

A shelter was available as of 2 a.m. at the Biggar Community Hall where people with respiratory issues could get clean air.

Later in the morning, patients were evacuated from the Biggar hospital due to poor air quality and smoke from the fire.

Fifty-three long-term care residents were moved to Rosetown’s health centre. Another eight patients were sent to City Hospital in Saskatoon.

— With files by 980 CJME’s Andrew Shepherd.

Back on Highway 4, looking west towards the fire. Looks like two separate areas of smoke are rising up. Firefighter in the command centre just told me main issue is the southeastern flank. Won't call the fire out of control, but it's "not contained yet." #skfire #Biggar pic.twitter.com/Yz3F8m9btP

— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) April 23, 2019