One Year After the Biggar Wildfire

As the province anticipates the re-opening Saskatchewan this May, one-year-ago the west central region was reeling with a different state of emergency, the Biggar wildfire.

The expansive fire claimed 22 thousand acres, as well as, 75 miles of fence and brought in resources from neighbouring communities including first responders and farmers who put all hands on deck to help extinguish the out-of-control grassfire.

Mayor of Biggar, Ray Sadler, looks back at the Biggar fire that threatened the town one year ago. (Photo courtesy: Ray Sadler)

Biggar's Mayor of 16 years, Ray Sadler, said looking back, it was a very fearful time as the blaze got closer to the town, however, it was a testament to once again, how west central communities come together when needed, which he added, was very similar to what we are going through now with the pandemic.

He talked about the many factors, that ultimately saved the 111 year-old town.

"There were so many things going on, and all at once - we immediately had to make some decisions, not only about containing the fire, but keeping everyone safe and healthy, including our residents but - making sure all of our first responders needed what they had in order to do their job and stay safe. That fire was blazing towards the town and what ended up saving it was simply a shift in wind - so there were a lot of factors at play, the firefighters and all of the volunteers and I think a lot of faith and prayer went into play as well."

The Biggar Fire Department posted a memorium on their Facebook page on the one-year anniversary this past Wednesday and not only reminisced about the monstrous fire, but also provided some words of caution as we enter another dry season.

Sadler, now managing two state of emergencies less than one year apart, said there are a lot of similarities, but also a lot that can be learnt from each situation and it is his position that it is the politicians job to not only listen to their constituents, but really listen to the professionals and be able to provide a balance between what is wanted and needed, and what is safe to allow.

In the wake of the fire, Sadler said they learned a lot about not only fighting fire, but how to now be better prepared if a similar occurrence were to arise.

"I think there were plenty of take-a-ways from the fire, in the way that we fight the fire, even working in smaller sections - and then how to be better prepared, the Argo bush created some complications with our fire trucks getting in and out, so looking at things like that and to see how we can be better prepared for next time - and also the water bombers, I think that is something Canada or the province needs to look at, can we have better access to something like that, or even smaller ones - there were a lot of eye opening experiences and solutions that came out of the fire last year."

Sadler is not only the Mayor of Biggar, but also a business owner within the town and said he is optimistic for the re-opening of the province and talks about his experiences through the current state of emergency and public health orders.

"For me - if the safety net is in place, it's about getting people back to work and get the engine running again, the idea now, is that we can get back and get going as soon as we hit the ground - getting the energy back up, not only here and in Saskatchewan, but across Canada - we still don't understand the virus, so we still have to be careful, but I think what business owners are looking for now, is to get that momentum back in commerce."

Sadler said in any state of emergency, regardless of the circumstances, safety is always of the utmost importance and he saluted the health care professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he did the firefighters during the Biggar wildfire, for their selfless and outstanding work to keep our communities safe.

The RM of Biggar has also issued a fire ban until further notice, because of the dry conditions this spring. All fires are prohibited except for the use of an enclosed barbecue apparatus. All questions and concerns can be asked by calling the Biggar RM office at 1-306-948-2422.