17LF-HARDING – Status as of August 15th, 2017
Though currently listed as Not Contained, the fire is subdued and will be re-evaluated later today, according to Lyle Prokopetz, Forest Protection Officer for Lower Fishing Lake Forest Protection Base. The fire is currently mapped as covering 1,885 hectares (approximately 4,658 acres) and there are 50 firefighters, 2 helicopters, and one water truck continuing to fight the fire.
Since July 31st, no residences were affected, though one trapper’s cabin was lost during the initial stages of the fire.
Background on the Harding Fire
The Harding fire was detected on July 31, 2017, beginning as three fires, 17LF-HARDING, 17LF-DOG and 17LF BIRD, all started by lightning strikes.
On August 2nd, 2017, the Dog and Bird fires were recorded as Out, though portions within those two fires continued to burn but had joined the Harding fire.
By August 2nd, Crews and equipment had cat lines in and had contained the portion of the fires that were heading southeast towards the residences in the path of the Bird and Dog fires.
Wildfire Risk
Despite our recent rainfalls, Prokopetz also encourages farmers and residents to be diligent as the fields are still quite dry. If you are planning to light an outdoor fire of any kind, excluding a fire pit, burning barrel, smudge, incinerator or any fire less than 1m in diameter, you must fill out and sign a permit to burn. Contact your local fire department for more information. If you are within 3 miles (4.5 km) of a Provincial Forest, you must also apply for a burn notification number with Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment. The number to call is 1-306-426-2600.
Video clip of the Harding fire from the trail contributed by Kole Riemer
Aerial images
July 31st, 2017 of the Harding fire, burning west and north of the Torch River.
Ground images
August 2, 2017 – Dozers worked hard and fast to establish fireguards around the fire.
August 13th, 2017 – Working to put out hotspots
