A fast-moving grass fire south of the Trans-Canada Highway near Road 72W kept fire crews from Austin and Carberry busy from Saturday afternoon into the early hours of Sunday morning.
According to a social media post by the Austin Fire Department, the call came in around 3 p.m. on Saturday. Smoke was already visible while crews were en route to the scene.
Firefighters arrived to find an open pasture surrounded by brush burning out of control.

“Firefighters arriving on scene found an open pasture surrounded by brush land burning and spreading rapidly due to the wind,” notes the department.
Despite launching a strong wildland attack, the fire continued to spread.
“While a strong wildland attack was initiated, the fire grew to the point where it was unable to be contained,” says the department.
Mutual aid was requested, and Carberry Fire responded with additional firefighters, water supply, and equipment. The battle continued well past nightfall.
“It was a long, drawn-out battle, ultimately going into the early hours of the morning,” adds the department. “Once the majority of the fire was knocked down, fire fighters combed the bush for hotspots and potential reignition sites.”

Crews returned to the Austin fire hall at 1:40 a.m. but were back out the next morning to evaluate the area and ensure there were no flare-ups.
The department issued a public thank-you for the assistance.
“We would like to give a big thank you to Carberry Fire, Riverbend Hutterite Colony, King Spud, the bulldozer operator, and local home/land owners for their help in bringing this fire to an end!” remarks the department.
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