Fire near Glentworth burns 3,500 acres of land

High winds Monday afternoon took a fire in a durum field and turned it into a massive wild fire near Glentworth.

The fire was started by a farmer swathing durum when the field caught fire.

The fire burned seven miles long and, in some spots, a half mile wide.

Aftermath of a fire near Glentworth, Sask., on Sept. 4, 2017. (Mark Jalbert/Submitted)

Firefighters, farmers, and locals gathered from as far as Coronach — located 117 kilometers from Glentworth — and Willow Bunch, which is 124 kilometers east. From the west people came from as far as Pontiex, 90 kilometres from Glentworth.

Firefighters from four different towns and RMs responded to help water down the blaze.

Around 500 people helped fight the fire, along with a water bomber sent from Prince Albert.

The fire was put out around 8 p.m.

After the six hours of burning, the fire had torched 3,500 acres.

Deidre Nelson, the administrator for the RM of Waverly, said they are grateful for everyone who came and helped put the fire out.

“Thank you to everybody who came out, and to everything, everybody did, from the RM of Waverly and the Glentworth Fire Department we would like to say thank you.”

Nelson added that no structures were harmed. Still dealing with the aftermath are ranchers organizing and trying to find their cattle that were moved or lost during the fire.

— With files from Discover Moose Jaw