A huge fire incinerated a barn and several vehicles on a property south of Clyde during a windy Dec. 15 that required four separate fire halls to send nine vehicles to stop the inferno.
Towers of smoke could be seen from the Town of Westlock as over 16 firefighters from the Clyde, Busby, Pickardville and Westlock Rural fire departments scrambled to the property located near Township Road 592 and Highway 2 shortly after 12 p.m.
Busby fire chief Jared Stitsen said that the icy conditions forced firefighters to pour rock chips to make sure first responders were able to keep their footing as they battled the flames.
With trailers and vehicles filling the barn, first responders were concerned about potential explosions from propane canisters and gasoline, but a steady force of water was able to get the fire under control and stop it from spreading.
However, heavy winds and an abundance of fuel in the blaze kept firefighters on site for several hours putting out hot spots. Three water tenders had to be called in to refill the main attack truck during the operation.
“The wind never helps,” said Stitsen. “By the time we were done, there was just a big pile of rubble left.”
An unknown number of vehicles were destroyed in the fire, but at least seven were saved.
No injuries were reported, though an ambulance was on hand to check up on firefighters for smoke inhalation.
Stitsen added that the investigation is ongoing and the cause of the fire has not been determined.
