By Norm Park
normpark@estevanmercury.ca
An investigation has been launched and charges are pending following a grass fire in the valley close to a commercial and industrial subdivision on the south side of the city on July 18. The blaze also threatened to spread to a few homes on the upper reaches of the valley ridge on McDonald Road Friday afternoon.
Ten members of Estevan Fire Rescue Services were able to beat back the flames that posed the most serious threat shortly after they arrived on the scene at approximately 1:30.
The service's Deputy Chief, Dale Feser, said the firefighting efforts were made more difficult due to a very stiff northwesterly wind that allowed the blaze to advance rapidly, fueled by plenty of overgrowth. The topography didn't make the fight any easier either.
"A lot of the work was done on foot," said Feser, who added that five pieces of major fire fighting equipment was also deployed along with the personnel.
"People in residences from 106 to 114 McDonald Road were asked to evacuate as a precautionary measure," said Feser, referring to the upper valley edge homes.
"The fire got to within a foot or so of one home's property and their shed," the deputy chief said.
Other nearby residents who suffered from respiratory ailments were also advised to make their way to areas of the city where they would not be exposed to the smoke-filled air.
A couple of power poles and power lines were also damaged and electricity services were knocked out for some time as well. SaskPower personnel stayed on the job, replacing damaged structures until the early morning hours of July 19.
Fire fighters remained on the scene until 6 o'clock, ensuring that final flare-ups and embers were doused.
"We believe the cause of the fire was careless disposal of embers and coals from a fire pit. That was the ignition factor," said Feser.
"This can serve as a learning experience for everyone. Our citizens need to take advantage of fire pit permit applications. There is a one-time fee and the permits are available at City Hall or the Fire Hall. It asks for pit locations and provides some general rules and regulations to follow. If you have a fire pit, you need a permit," said Feser.
Fire Rescue Services members also revisited the site of the fire on and off Friday night and into Saturday to make sure there was no re-ignition.
Feser added that fortunately, this blaze was the only fire incident of note during the weekend.
