Many responders called to fight costly marsh fire
Posted By Rob Swystun/Central Plains Herald-Leader
Updated 2 months ago
Portage Emergency Services, Cartier Fire Department, Woodlands Fire Department, the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie, Manitoba Hydro and the Office of the Fire Commissioner, along with Jonair who supplied water bombers -- all responded to a huge fire that burned northeast of High Bluff for days last week.
As for fighting the fire, it wasn't easy, Capt. Corey Jowett with Portage Emergency Services noted, as firefighters often have to fight the marsh itself to get to the fire.
"The biggest issue with fighting any fire on the marsh is accessibility," he noted.
More than just marshland was lost in the blaze.
A lot of taxpayer money went into fighting that fire, which was totally unnecessary, Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie Ward 1 Coun. Garth Asham said.
Asham estimated the fire, which involved bringing out caterpillar tractors from the RM to create firebreaks and water bombers from Jonair, probably cost in the tens of thousands to put out considering the cost of airplane fuel alone plus wages for the people fighting the fire and other equipment involved.
That cost is then passed onto the general public," Asham said.
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