A home, two garages, a shop, six vehicles, four trailers and various small pieces of equipment were lost in a grassfire south of Saskatoon yesterday.

At 3:37pm, fire crews were called to Victor Road, just south of the Casa Rio development, for the report of smoke in the air. Upon arrival, it was evident that a wheat field had caught on fire. The fire then spread to several bluffs of trees, which were occupied by the vehicles and buildings.

Fire Chief Rob Hogan says it was a difficult fire to attack because it broke the 30/30/30 rule.

“That’s where the temperature is greater than 30 degrees Celsius, humidity is 30 per cent or less, and wind is 30 kilometres per hour or greater. Conditions at the time of the fire yesterday; we had a temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, wind was 35 kilometres per hour, gusting to 51, and the relative humidity was 17.”

A number of local farmers helped create a firebreak with their equipment, and through the work of 30 fire staff, the 800-acre fire was able to be largely extinguished by 2:00am this morning.

Hogan estimates damages to total $2-$3 million dollars. The public is asked to stay away from the area as burnt structures could off gas harmful toxins into the air.

As harvest continues for some and approaches for many, Hogan advises farmers to keep a water truck on hand in case of any sparks. He says farmers can also create their own firebreaks to prepare for possible disaster.