The Wadena Fire Department was kept busy on a windy Thursday, May 8 with grass and brush fires, one of which threatened multiple dwellings.
At 3:56 pm, the Department was called to a field / bush fire 12km south of Wadena on Highway 35. The fire, originally reported as a grass fire, spread to nearby brush and into a field. High winds complicated a quick knock down; farmer tillage aided in suppression. The fire originated under a power line, but the cause remains undetermined. A bush truck, crew truck, a 6x6 utility and 7 members responded. Back in service at 6:00 pm
Then at 10:35 pm, May 8, the Wadena Volunteer Fire Dept responded to Fishing Lake First Nation to a large fast moving bush fire which endangered multiple dwellings. Crews and trucks from WVFD and Fishing Lake First Nation FD battled the fire until it was contained. Fishing Lake FD remained on scene to prevent the fire from jumping the perimeter back burn. The bush truck, tanker, pumper 1, a utility truck and 6x6 with 10 crew were dispatched. The crew returned to service a 4 am May 9.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. No buildings were lost, and no injuries were reported during the incident.