PHOTOS: Bush fire south of Prince Albert ‘brought to a halt’

A spokesperson for the Prince Albert Fire Department says a large bush fire southeast of the city on Monday was brought to a halt thanks to the involvement of multiple agencies.

The fire is now listed as contained and fire crews are cleaning up hot spots and monitoring fire lines.

Batallion Chief Jay Zablocki told paNOW that in addition to the city’s fire department, there was also help from the Buckland Fire Department, Broda Group, B and B Asphalt, Ruskowski Enterprise, Lake Country Co Op, RM of Prince Albert and Thomcat Management.

“The wind was crazy today. The fire hopped the highway from south to north, and we were trying to stop it from hopping the highway, but we could not battle that wind. We were extinguishing and it was just leaping over top of us into the next field across the highway,” he said.
“Without that entire involvement of all those units, we would still be battling that for sure.”

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and Zablocki confirmed there was a small cabin that was lost.

Around 5 p.m., the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert No. 461 issued a pre-alert for possible evacuation. As of 9:30 p.m., it was still in place.

Fairview Fairways Golf Course was among those notified and as a result, all bookings for the day were cancelled and golfers were told to pack up early. General Manager Gord Hobson said the course is not in danger.

“It’s pretty clear out here, so it looks like a good day for golfing, but obviously the fire is too close for my liking,” he said.

While there was no immediate danger, residents were advised to stay alert and to begin planning for a potential evacuation.

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A grass and bush fire southeast of Prince Albert is producing thick plumes of grey smoke.

As a result of very poor visibility, all lanes of traffic on Highway 3 have been closed. Saskatchewan RCMP said motorists are asked to find alternate routes. It’s not known when the highway will reopen.

Both the city’s fire department and crews from Buckland Fire have responded. RCMP and city police are on the scene. The blaze is burning between the new Yard District and the Fairview Fairways golf course.

The fire is now listed as contained and fire crews are cleaning up hot spots and monitoring fire lines. (paNOW Staff)

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and Zablocki confirmed there was a small cabin that was lost. (paNOW Staff)

Around 5 p.m., the Rural Municipality of Prince Albert No. 461 issued a pre-alert for possible evacuation. As of 9:30 p.m., it was still in place. (paNOW Staff)