Fires along HWY 660 didn’t cause significant damage after trailer mishap

It could’ve been a much more dangerous situation, but due to a rapid response from residents, witnesses, and fire crews, the damage was limited.

On Sunday afternoon, multiple witnesses on Highway 660 described a white pickup truck towing a small utility trailer that was missing a tire and throwing a large number of sparks behind it. 

This led to roughly a dozen fires along the highway, a description that is consistent with a large number of fires started across such a long stretch of highway, said BRFA regional fire chief Dan Heney.

The first reports were received by the fire hall at just after 2:00 pm on Sunday with Station 3 in Glendon and Station 5 in Bonnyville responding.

There was no “significant damage” reported, but only due to a number of factors, said Heney.

He credited the large number of witnesses who called 911, the quick response from firefighters, and the many residents who took it upon themselves to stop and try putting some of the fires out with water bottles, and pails, even using their clothing to swat them out.

A passerby who was headed from church came across some of these fires south of the highway in the ditch, which was near a residence. He, who wished not to be named, said that went out to try and swat the fires, and saw families provide water and coffee to try and put them out.

Many others came out to help.

“We often forget about the good deeds for community,” he said.