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As conditions remain favourable for fires, EFRS sees an increase in calls

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) responded to multiple calls of a different nature late last week and into this week.
fire truck, fire

The Estevan Fire Rescue Service (EFRS) responded to multiple calls of a different nature late last week and into this week.

On Friday members responded to a fuel spill, occurring in central Estevan at a gas station, in which a dispenser nozzle had leaked a substantial amount of fuel.

Estevan Fire Chief Dale Feser praised the gas station staff for doing their best to prevent fuel from leaking into the storm sewer system.

"A little bit of extra absorbent material was spread down in the area. Crews ensured that the leak had stopped at the gas pump assembly itself and turned the scene back over to the crew, with the recommendation that they hire a technician to fix the pump nozzle that was leaking before putting it back into service," Feser said.

Later that day, the EFRS crews were also called to a wildland fire southeast of Estevan at the U.S. border. The fire spread over to the American side, and the North Portal International Fire Department, along with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other agencies were also on the scene ensuring the fire was brought under control.

"We just wanted to thank all of our emergency services and people that were out there that were assisting in bringing this under control," Feser said.

Hot works or welding that was being done at the site resulted in some sparks which started the dry vegetation on fire. Feser reminded the public that if they are doing any hot works, metal grinding or even simply operating the equipment out in the fields, they should be extra cautious and make sure they immediately call 911 if a fire occurs, so firefighters could respond promptly.

The next call for the fire department came in on Saturday just before 11 p.m. Fire crews responded to a backyard fire occurring in the south part of Estevan.

"Crews arrived on scene to find that there was a portion of the fire pit as well as some fencing and some wood for the fire pit that had started on fire. There were some quick-thinking neighbours that actually saw the flames, reported it in by calling 911 and then went into the home to wake up the homeowner, as he had actually gone to bed and gone to sleep prior to the fire igniting," Feser said.

Neighbours also managed to keep the fire under control with the help of a garden hose, and firefighters ensured complete extinguishment upon arrival. The investigation showed that the fire pit wasn't fully put out, and ambers from it started nearby vegetation on fire.

"We are very thankful for those quick-thinking neighbours. They did an excellent job in alerting 911 and the people on the property, as well as keeping the fire at bay until the fire department's arrival.

"Just a gentle reminder that you always want to make sure that when you are operating a fire pit, number one, you do have a fire pit that's licensed within the city of Estevan; and two, at the end of the night when you want to extinguish your fire pit, you always want to apply water in great amounts. You apply water, stir, apply more water, stir some more, and then make a third application of water to ensure the complete extinguishment has occurred in the fire pit," Feser said.

At 2 a.m. on Monday, Estevan firefighters responded to a deck fire in the southwest area of the city. The fire started at a flower planter and spread over to the fence that the planter was hanging on, affecting a bit of the siding. The homeowner quickly alerted 911 and started pouring water, and fire crews ensured that no hot spots were remaining.

The investigation found that a cigarette butt discarded into the planter caused the fire. Feser reminds the public that planter soil is high in nitrate, which is combustible and can start on fire.

There were no fire bans in effect in the EFRS response areas as of Monday, but Feser said that if weather conditions continue, they may start imposing fire bans.

He also asked the public to avoid burning anything in the next few days as a high-wind weather warning is in effect.