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UFD reports quiet April but grass fire risk still prevalent

UFD asks the public to yield to volunteer fire fighters responding to emergency calls.
DONATED FIRE SIGN PROPERTY
A sign marks new space for UFD at Winter, that includes a water tank. The facility and sign were developed in collaboration with donors.

UNITY — Unity Fire Chief, Dwaine Kopp says the department had only one call in April as of April 24, for a small grass fire.

Vigilance is still necessary, he warns.

“Recent moisture will help while its cool but it won’t take long to be very dry again if we don’t get rain for a stretch, especially in the pastures,” Kopp says.

People across the province are reminded to be mindful of throwing cigarettes out of car windows as dead growth from fall reacts like tinder to any kind of spark and can start and spread a fire quickly.

In a Facebook post, Unity Fire Department reminds the public that if they see vehicles heading towards the fire hall with four-way flashers activated, they are responding to an emergency call. While they do not have the right of way, they do ask that traffic move to the right to allow them to safely go by in their response. If met at an intersection and four-way flashers are active, please allow the firefighters through.

The department also expressed thanks on social media for recent donations that included funds put towards setting up a water tank at Winter.

The donations facilitated cleaning the tank, contracting for making and donating the sign. The RM of Senlac installed a pad that the tank is on and supplied the gravel and the Winter Sports Club has donated use of the property for the tank location.

They also acknowledged a local business for a below-cost deal on a much-needed power inverter.

Kopp, says they hope to hear soon regarding the substantial allocation from the Saskatchewan government towards extrication tools and training for volunteer fire departments. UFD currently has battery operated extrication tools and practice with them on an ongoing basis. The Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Association said in the press release however it is known that hydraulic equipment can cost upwards of $30,000.