By Roger White

‘Mother nature will determine lifting of fire ban’: Fire Chief

Apr 11, 2017 | 10:49 AM

While most residents are thankful that the area received less than normal snowfall this past winter the same cannot be said for fire officials in the Battle River area.

The lack of moisture has resulted in the R.M. of Battle River issuing a fire ban late last week following a fire which got out of hand and spread very quickly nine kilometres South of Battleford.

“Mother nature will determine when the fire ban is lifted,” Town of Battleford and R.M. of Battle River deputy Fire Chief Geoff Thompson said. “We will play it by ear until we get enough moisture and things start getting green enough.”

Thompson said right now lawns and fields have little or no green in them to prevent burning.

The fire ban in the R.M. of Battle River means no burning permits will be issued until further notice.

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 2

4h ago

Fond Memories

North Stars' 20-year-olds reflect on junior hockey experience: Part 1

23h ago

Trades in Sask.

Skilled trades need not limited to building homes

Apr 17, 2024

“Most residents usually burn their garbage or brush during the spring cleanup and they have to get a burning permit from the department,” Thompson said. “Right now no permits are being issued and if you burn without a permit then you will be responsible for the cost of putting the fire out.”

The fire South of Battleford last week took 16 firefighters, several trucks and a quad nearly four hours to extinguish.

“The grass in most areas in the R.M. is dead and you add a flame and the winds that we normally get and the fire is gone quickly so we ask that you just adhere to the fire ban,” Thompson added.

roger.white@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW