Nicole Goldsworthy
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SaskToday.ca
MELFORT — Firefighters in Melfort responded to two early-morning emergencies Sunday, first battling a structure fire in Pathlow before assisting at a highway collision south of the city.
According to a social media post from the Melfort Fire Department, crews were paged shortly after midnight on March 8, to reports of a structure fire in the community of Pathlow.
When firefighters arrived, they found a garage fully involved in flames. Crews launched a defensive fire attack to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading according to the post.
Although the garage was destroyed, firefighters were able to limit the damage to minor heat exposure on a nearby building, and no injuries were reported.
“All crews were back in service by about 3:30 a.m.,” the department said in the post.
Leonard Whitney, fire chief with the Melfort Fire Department, told SaskToday the exact cause of the fire has not been confirmed, but it is believed to have started from a wood stove.
Whitney said the incident serves as an important reminder for homeowners using wood heat.
“Check all stove pipes and chimneys annually to ensure they are clear of obstructions and debris,” he said.
Only a few hours later, firefighters were dispatched again.
At 6:18 a.m., crews were called to a vehicle collision south of Melfort on Highway 6. When firefighters arrived, they assisted a person out of the vehicle and transferred the individual into the care of EMS.
No further details about injuries were immediately available.
The department thanked members who responded to both calls during the early morning hours.
The cause of the fire is not confirmed.
