Emergency Services respond to grass fire east of Pincher Creek

Chris Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

Emergency services from Pincher Creek, Piikani, Cowley, and the RCMP responded to a grass fire east of Pincher Creek this morning, at a property located south of Highway 3.

The fire started at approximately 10:00 am, and was under control by 11:00 am.

Multiple RCMP cars and officers responded, limiting access to the scene.  According to Fire Chief Dave Cox, Pincher Creek responded with 3 units including a tender, and Engines 43 and 11.  Peigan Fire responded with 4 units, including 2 engines and a bush truck.  Cowley Fire responded with 1 engine.  Beaver Mines responded with Engine 31.

Site of grass fire east of Pincher Creek
C. Davis photos

Cox said the fire was sparked along the CPR tracks.   Low humidity and high winds contributed to it spreading fairly rapidly.  A house and outbuildings were threatened.  A utility trailer was damaged  in the blaze, a wood pile was destroyed, and the overstructure to a well was destroyed, likely necessitating the well to be cleaned out.

Fire crews remained on the scene until about 3 pm, mopping up old railway-tie piles and burning material on the interior of the fire.   CPR traffic was halted and remained so until the fire was managed.

A possible small flareup at the site is currently being investigated by Chief Cox at time of publication of this story.

updated to include the participation of Beaver Mines Fire with Engine 31