High winds spread fire south of Granum
fire - High winds pushed a fire south of Granum in the early hours of Saturday morning, Nov. 7, that involved multiple structures and bale stacks. Fire departments from across the region as well as farmers, ranchers, businesses, Hutterian Brethren colonies and more worked together to get the situation under control. Photo by Craig Zimmer
By Rob Vogt
Fire crews responded to a grass fire south of Granum in the early morning hours of Saturday.
The Municipal District of Willow Creek was reporting at 3:30 a.m. on Nov. 7 that Willow Creek Emergency Services crews were on scene of a large fire involving multiple structures and bale stacks south of Granum on the west side of Highway 2.
At that time, power was shut off to locations north of the scene to support emergency operations.
It was noted a significant response was underway, with 18 fire apparatus and multiple agencies working together to contain the fire.
Responding crews included all stations within the M.D. of Willow Creek, along with its mutual aid partners from the Nobleford and Picture Butte Fire Departments.
Throughout the night, firefighters continued to contend with strong winds while working to contain the fire and protect surrounding areas.
At 4:45 a.m. the M.D. reported the fire was being held, and crews along with multiple fire apparatus remained committed to the incident.
It was also noted that local farmers and ranchers stepped up to assist with the response. Their support with discs and water trucks was invaluable in helping crews protect the community and limit the spread of the fire.
At 12 noon on Nov. 7, it was reported Willow Creek Emergency Services crews remained on scene.
The grass fire had been extinguished, and crews continued to focus their efforts on the bale stack fire. With strong winds forecasted to return, firefighters remained on scene throughout the day and into the evening to ensure the fire was fully extinguished and any flare-ups were prevented.
The M.D. also commended their mutual aid partners from the Coalhurst Fire Department and Foothills County Fire Department for their assistance that morning.
Fire crews remained on scene over night, continuing suppression efforts and ensuring the protection of nearby properties.
Fresh crews were on scene Sunday morning and continued working to extinguish the fire.
At 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, the M.D. announced the fire had been extinguished.