‘Careful when you burn:’ Fire chief shares safety tips following large grass fire

A major grass fire sparked early Tuesday afternoon southeast of Saskatoon has fire chiefs in the area reminding people to be cautious during this dry season.

Mike Beamish, the chief of the fire department in Clavet, said the timing of that grass fire was on par with what has been seen in previous seasons. Last year, the department’s first call about a grass fire was received on April 9.

“Until we get some rain, and until the grass starts to turn green, we expect some more calls,” said Beamish, whose department helped the Saskatoon Fire Department battle Tuesday’s blaze.

He advises those who are lighting controlled burns to use proper burn barrels or incinerators and to avoid doing so on hot, dry and windy days.

“Be very careful when you burn,” he said.

Beamish said all controlled fires anywhere in the province should be brought to the Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency’s attention through the provincial call line.

Beamish said those who are starting campfires or smoking cigarettes should also be cautious of their surroundings.

Deputy Chief Rob Hogan of the Saskatoon Fire Department said firefighters were back on the scene Wednesday morning putting out around 60 smoldering hay bales.

With the mild winter, Hogan said a grass fire such as the one that erupted Tuesday was not unexpected. According to a release from the department, the fire consumed nearly 500 acres.

Hogan said controlled burns are not allowed in the city of Saskatoon, but in rural municipalities, it’s up to the farmers to ensure their controlled burns are safe.

Meanwhile, a fire ban was issued Wednesday for the RM of Blucher, which includes the communities of Clavet, Bradwell, Blucher and Elstow.

The council in that area said the ban will stay in place until the region receives a significant amount of moisture.

The Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency said earlier this week it’s expecting an average to above-average number of wildfires in the province this year.