‘It could have been a lot more serious’
Grass fires flare up around Prince County, Lennox Island fire department respond to structural fire
A combination of high winds and dry conditions were a perfect combination for grass fires over the weekend.
Miscouche fire department responded with three trucks and 12 firefighters to tackle a grass fire that was sparked in St. Nicholas during the afternoon.
“With the warmer weather starting, this type of call is not that uncommon,” said Miscouche deputy fire chief, Paul Perry.
The fire was quickly extinguished by the owner, although firefighters still attended the scene at approximately 3:45 p.m.
“It wasn’t a very big area burned (12 by 12 metres) and it could have been a lot more serious if the home owner had not been able to put it out himself,” added Perry.
Meanwhile, one fire truck was despatched from the Summerside fire department to stop a blaze from reaching nearby structures at around 6 p.m.
The rural grass fire located at 708 Water Street East was quickly extinguished by the fire crew.
Summerside fire chief Jim Peters said, “This time of year with all the dead grass these fires are common.”
Lennox Island fire department also received a call Saturday, reporting a structural fire at approximately 11:33 p.m.
One fire truck was dispatched from the department, along with seven crew members to battle the flames that engulfed a single-door garage that was separate from the owner’s home, while just two feet away.
“We were on the scene within 10 minutes and had the fire put out quickly, but the garage is a complete loss,” said Lennox Island fire chief Richard Guimond.
“To my understanding they did have a wood burning stove in the building, and I believe something was on top,” he added.
The cause of the fire that gutted the structure, made of a wooden roof and cinder block walls, is still under investigation.