Provincial Fire Commission Duane McKay reported to media in a conference this morning that the majority of the fire near Biggar is now considered contained, with only one section remaining out of control, and wind conditions are currently pushing the flames away from the town.
Biggar has declared a state of emergency and is advising residents of the area to be prepared for evacuation if instructed. Biggar’s hospital and long-term care facility was evacuated last night, due to concerns about smoke inhalation; patients were relocated to beds in Rosetown and Saskatoon City hospitals.
Emergency Social Services reports that no residents of Biggar have registered with for services, although that does not necessarily mean that no one has evacuated of their own will. A reception centre is on standby at Purdue’s Community Hall if needed, though it has not been yet.
As of now, no injuries have been reported and the cause of the fire remains unknown. McKay assures the public that investigation is ongoing, and the risk level for the town of Biggar has lowered now that the fire is not moving towards the town— although residents should continue to be aware in case conditions change.
Firefighting services are on scene, and an emergency response centre has been set up to maintain the safety of the area. Crews are working to maintain the impact in the area, both containing the blaze and protecting livestock.
“We're really trying to make sure that not only are we fighting fire, but we're taking due counsel of what the impacts might be, and so we're trying to move cattle as well through those areas to get them out of the danger area,” said McKay. “So that's hindering just the straight out firefighting.”
The fire currently burns between Highway 4 and Highway 51, and the Ministry of Highways has lifted all warnings regarding visibility as of today.
Up to date information about wildfires and fire bans in the province can be found at saskatchewan.ca/fire.
