RM OF NIPAWIN — A rural home in the RM of Nipawin was engulfed in flames.
Nipawin Fire Department was called to the site on Dec. 11 at 4:14 a.m. Engines 1,3 and tanker 1 and Command 1 all responded to a rural land location for a single family residence west of Codette.
Nineteen on call firefighters along with the fire chief attended. Sustained winds at the time were recorded at 22-33 km. Fire suppression wrapped up at 7:58 a.m.
At the time of reporting no cause had been identified.
There was one lone occupant within the house and made it out safely with their pets. No one was hurt or injured in the fire.
The fire had awoken the occupant who made their escape on their own. On arrival the structure was fully engulfed. The Nipawin facebook page wrote, “The strong winds on Monday acted as a 'bellows' much like a forgery which made for an extremely powerful and fast moving fire, reducing it to a shell incredibly quickly.”
The Nipawin Fire Department asks the public to please respect the homeowner and resist the urge to spectate and please remain away from scene while the investigation continues.
Paul Cockell, Nipawin's fire chief, said the number of firefighters on scene is dependent on the nature of the call, each apparatus requires are certain number per unit to be utilized effectively. Conversely, some members are required to remain in Town with an apparatus in case another call comes in. En route, the firefighters at the hall will radio the officer in charge to see if they are required and respond or standby.
"When the event is over a lot of work still needs to be done, trucks need to be refuelled, washed, refilled with water, hoses replaced, dirty hoses and equipment need to be washed and a debriefing is done with the members to go over the event.
"The officer in charge needs to start compiling the report for the SPSA (Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency formerly the Office of the Fire Commissioner), as is legislated by the province."
