Two large grass fires just east of Regina had firefighters scrambling late Thursday afternoon, but fortunately no structures were damaged.
The flames came within about 20 feet of some of the homes on the north side of the Trans-Canada Highway east of the city.
The fire charred the bone-dry grass fields north of Malaya Frei’s and Marlene Hall’s homes, while strong winds pushed it east and slightly south toward Pilot Butte.
“Our house kind of got lucky, because it was going this way (east) and we have water right here,” Frei said. Her family’s home is bordered on the north and east sides by Pilot Butte Creek.
The creek effectively served as a buffer for the flames, stopping them from reaching the Frei's home, along with their neighbour’s, Marlene Hall.
“The creek is what saved our place … it didn’t jump (over),” Hall said.
Approximately 15 to 20 firefighters battered the flames with shovels while using leaf blowers to try stamping it out.
Large plumes of smoke from the burning grass billowed up and over the Trans-Canada Highway, reducing visibility for drivers, though no one on the roadway stopped to pull over.
Regina, White City and Pilot Butte fire teams were on scene to dowse the flames.
At 4:43 p.m., Regina Fire & Protective Services announced via Twitter that both grass fires were under control and crews were putting out hot spots. Firefighters were successful in keeping the flames from reaching any buildings.
Frei and her sister, Lola were alarmed to see how quickly it spread.
“At first it was (scary), because it came out of no where. I was sitting in my room minding my business, and I looked once, and it was already like crazy,” Malaya said.
They said their homes didn’t sustain any damage from the fire.
