Massive smoke, fire contained at Wheat City Metals

Huge clouds of black smoke could be seen billowing from Wheat City Metals on Thursday afternoon.

Fire crews responded to the business on Pasqua Street North around 1 p.m. for reports of a fire.

Saskatchewan RCMP and Regina fire crews are on the scene. Smoke from the site can be seen from various places in the city, including Regina’s downtown.

Big fire north of Regina. pic.twitter.com/EkjVQDHCvB

— Ian Hamilton (@IanHamilton45) December 28, 2023

Firefighters at the scene said the cause of the fire is unknown.

An officer with the Regina Police Service said no one had been injured by the blaze.

Wheat City Metals is about a five-minute drive north of the Evraz Steel Mill.

In a release shared by the City of Regina, Regina Fire and Protective Services offered an update on the afternoon fire.

The statement details that fire marshal Randy Ryba had concerns after first arriving on the scene. However, crews secured a water source and the fire has now been fully contained and is in full control.

According to Regina Fire and Protective Services, there is no threat to the surrounding area and air quality is being monitored. Further updates will be given as necessary, the statement said.

The fire department has a longstanding agreement with the Rural Municipality of Sherwood, the release also shared.

Northbound access to Pasqua Street North was restricted throughout the day near Wheat City Metals.

RFPS remains on scene of a fire in the RM north of the city. Fire reported just after 1pm. Significant smoke continues from the fire but it is under control and there is no threat to the public. Please avoid the area as we continue working to fully extinguish the fire. #YQR pic.twitter.com/RjCm57wCbD

— Regina Fire (@Regina_Fire) December 29, 2023

As crews battled the flame, several onlookers stopped by to observe. Some of them got out of their cars to take photos and record videos.

One person who came to watch was Frank Deck, who was at a drive-thru on Rochdale when he saw the smoke.

“I decided to drive out here and take a look and holy cow, I’ve never seen anything so big,” Deck said.

The size of the flames continued to grow throughout the afternoon. The smoke was constantly shifting between light and dark shades of grey.

“I remember my small hometown – our school burned down and that was a big fire but nothing this size or caliber,” Deck said. “It’s crazy how big it is.”

Another person who stopped by was Jason Kish.

Kish said he could see the flames from his home in North Central and had never seen anything like this blaze.

“I thought maybe a building or something caught on fire and (wondered) is it going to get closer to the city?”

Kish also said he immediately wondered if anyone was hurt when first saw the smoke.

“I haven’t seen a big fire like that for a long time,” Kish said.

The fire at Wheat City Metals in Regina on Dec. 28, 2023. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

The fire at Wheat City Metals in Regina on Dec. 28, 2023. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

A massive plume of smoke rises from Wheat City Metals in Regina. (980 CJME photo)

Crews are working to extinguish a massive blaze at Wheat City Metals in Regina on Dec. 28, 2023. (Daniel Reech/980 CJME)

— With files from 980 CJME’s Daniel Reech