UPDATE: As of 4:30 PM on April 23rd, Battlefords RCMP ended traffic restrictions on Hwy #40 west of Battleford after fire officials advised they had the fire contained and under control. This fire was responded to by fire departments from Sweetgrass First Nation, town of Battleford, town of Cut Knife and Moosomin First Nation. Their efforts, combined with land owners tilling fire breaks ahead of the blaze with their personal farming equipment, prevented this fire from getting beyond control and being driven east and south across Hwy #40 by strong winds. The investigation into the cause of this fire is ongoing.

 

The Battleford RCMP released the following warning to residents and motorists in the Table Mountain area.

Battleford RCMP want to the notify the public in regards to a fast moving grass fire which is posing a risk to the communities Sweetgrass First Nation, residents of the Table Mountain area and Village of Prongua near Highway 40.
 
The fire is currently north of the Highway 40 but is expected that is may cross the highway if the winds increase.
 
RCMP are asking all public to avoid the area until further notice, so fire fighters will have access to the area.
 
RCMP are advising residents in the area to be on the alert of this fire and prepare. 
 
Department of Highways is currently restricting traffic in the area, the Battleford Fire Department and Sweetgrass Fire Departments are currently on scene and fighting the fire and attempting to slow the advance of the fire.
 
West Central Online will provide updates as information becomes available.