Maidstone and Paynton volunteer fire departments were called into action March 16. With winds high, a fire was lit to burn garbage in what should have been a contained area, but quickly became a grass fire that spread to a neighbouring property.
Thanks to the quick actions of the people who had been at the local truck stop, the fire was contained long enough for the fire departments to arrive.
The solar panels in the homeowner's yard were close to going up in flames and the home was only meters away.
Maidstone and Paynton volunteer firefighters had five trucks out along with locals Ron and Fay Falcon with a rake and shovel and George Cunningham and Tish Boychuck, who helped with the water hauler and pump. Albert Duhaime helped the guys on the fire truck and the landowners also did whatever they could to put out the blaze.
The community support was appreciated by the landowners, who could have lost their home without the local volunteers.
Here are a few reminders about spring fire safety. Always make sure cigarettes are fully extinguished and do not throw lit cigarettes out the window when driving. Always get a permit before you burn. It takes only a phone call to the RM office. If it is windy, think about burning on another day.
Due to the lack of moisture we have experienced this winter, the spring will likely be extremely dry creating perfect conditions for an out of control fire, so please take care and if you do have to call 911, do it right away and know your location.
