UPDATE – April 26, 8:00AM
The grass fire near Biggar that has been burning for 4 days has finally been brought under control by volunteer firefighters.
The fire has burned around 1500 hectares of land near the community and fire crews have worked tirelessly to safe farmyards. It is reported that no farm buildings have been damaged, although the cross-country ski chalet and nature preserve were severely damaged by the blaze.
“Can’t be more proud of our volunteer firefighters, farmers, provincial support, and community members for the amazing depth of support during this wildfire,” read the Town of Biggar’s Facebook page.
According to officials, there are still some hot spots burning in the middle of the fire.
The public is being asked to please stay away from the area and let emergency personal do their job.
The Town of Biggar is no longer at risk from the flames and air quality is expected to improve.
Conditions are still quite dry in the southern and central areas of the province. Around 115 municipalities and 23 towns have declared an outdoor fire ban.
– April 25, 8:00AM
Progress is being made by fire crews in the large grass fire near Biggar. According to an update from the Town of Biggar last night the fire situation is 60 per cent contained thanks to the efforts of firefighters and volunteers.
The flames on the south and west sides have been contained as volunteers are using skid steer loaders and other equipment on the east side.
According to a social media post from the RM of Biggar,”Right at this second everything is looking good,”.
– April 24, 10:30AM
The grass fire raging near the community of Biggar Sask, has been downgraded as volunteer firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots.
While the community is no longer in danger the fire continues to threaten rural properties and livestock.
Firefighters have been fighting flames since Monday afternoon, response teams from the provincial government have been working to relieve firefighter stress and exhaustion.
It is still not clear how the fire started, investigators are still analyzing the situation.
The fire has caused extensive damage to a wooded area known as Argo Bush, a wildlife preserve.
A low pressure system coming from Alberta this weekend will hopefully bring some much needed snow or rain.
– Tuesday, April 23, 2019
On Monday afternoon an out-of-control grass fire began southwest of Biggar, between Highways 4 and 51. There is no word yet on what caused the fire.
This morning (April 23) the town of Biggar issued a state of emergency due to the area filled with smoke.
Crews are still battling the flames and a water-bomber has been called in to help fight the out-of-control blaze. The fire has been burning since Monday afternoon covering roughly 1,500 hectares and threatening farm buildings. The high winds and dry conditions compounding the issue.
Fighting the fire was difficult when is shifted to an area full of brush and trees. The poplar shrub was thick and made it impossible to bring any equipment in.
Fire crews were able to save several farm buildings from the blaze. There have been no injuries and firefighters have been able to keep flames away from homes.
As a precaution residents from the Biggar Hospital and Lodge were evacuated to Saskatoon or Rosetown due to poor air quality.
Residents are advised to avoid the area and to obey all instructions from emergency personal.
According to reports a local Hutterite Colony donated thousands of sandwiches it response to the fire fighting efforts.
Biggar is not the only area struggling with blazes; as fire crews near Warman dealt with two large grass fires Monday night.
Image Source: Shirley Darrach
