Disaster strikes as dry conditions and wind combine to push a small grass fire into a yard-consuming blaze, east of Waldeck.

First Responders first arrived at the fire shortly before lunchtime, as a small fire quickly bloomed into a raging inferno. The situation continued to advance until it became necessary to call for additional help.

Louis Cherpin, fire chief for the RM of Swift Current Fire Department, was on scene responding to the blaze. 

"I haven't had an opportunity to talk to anybody," clarified Cherpin. "But it looks like the fire started either on the ditch side or in the field behind it."

The blaze soon advanced from the field into an agricultural equipment salvage yard. 

"All the many pieces of equipment that they had in storage caught fire," said Cherpin. "The yard is a complete loss." 

Cherpin and his crew arrived on the scene around 1 p.m. after the Herbert Fire Department requested backup. Their firetruck had suffered a mechanical issue, taking them out of the fight until repairs were made.

Cherpin didn't expect to leave until at least 7 or 8 p.m this evening. 

"It's unfortunate, but this stuff happens," said Cherpin. "It's dry out there right now, and any spark can definitely start a large fire." 

Anyone out haying or doing any other work in the field should keep water with them in case a fire breaks out. Dousing the flames before they can grow can help to prevent these fires, especially in these dry conditions.

"Thanks to everybody who has come out to help us," added Cherpin. "We have a lot of people out here helping us from farmers, to the City of Swift Current and the Herbert Fire Department who called us out to help."

Swift Current Online will have updates as they emerge.