Saturday Fires Keep Local Crews Running
A barbecue hosted by the Poplar Volunteer Fire Department was interrupted by sirens before the grill was even set up Saturday, April 17. The barbecue, planned for 2 p.m. at the cultural center in Poplar, was intended to thank area first responders for their assistance during recent fires that threatened residences in Poplar.
The day began with a siren for a grass fire north of Poplar at 9 a.m. By the time crews returned to town, it was time to set up for the barbecue. At approximately 2:15 p.m., a call came in for assistance at a grass fire west of Poplar threatening at least one area home. That fire was out by 6 p.m., at which point, firefighters left to assist departments already battling a fire north of Brockton.
According to fire chief Dave Mathison, the Poplar crew headed home around 9 p.m. but faced another alarm at 10:30 p.m. for a shed fire on 8th Avenue East in Poplar. Mathison said the fire came within two feet of a neighborhood home, which was evacuated.
Culbertson’s Mike Olson told the Northern Plains Independent that the weekend saw increased fire behavior throughout the region.
“The guys say it’s like we’re fighting fires in July already,” said Olson.
Olson said the season is on pace to rival 2012, a particularly challenging year for area fire crews.
Olson and the Culbertson Volunteer Fire Department were also busy over the weekend battling fires south of Fort Kipp on Saturday and large blaze east of Froid that burned in excess of 270 acres. He added that many fires seen thus far have required multiple departments.
Despite recent precipitation, a burn ban is in place across the Fort Peck Reservation and Roosevelt County. Fireworks sales and use have also been prohibited.
