Last Friday the R.M of Swift Current Fire Department responded to a grass fire north of Swift Current on Highway 4.

A good samaritan stopped and was able to control and extinguish most of the fire by the time the fire department arrived.

After investigation, it appeared as though the fire was started by a poorly discarded cigarette as Fire Chief. Louis Chirpin explains.

"In these extreme conditions, even green grass itself can look like it is wet and full of moisture when actually the leaf and the stem is completely dried out. A cigarette can sit for hours smouldering and can easily ignite a green grass that has been dried out through the heat and wind."

Chirpin reminds residents to always dispose of cigarettes appropriately and to be extremely cautious as grass fires can be easily started as he details.

"The dryness throughout all of the province is quite noticeable and grass fires anywhere can start from a rock in the rim of a tire on a gravel road."

Chirpin also thanks everyone that was involved and says it takes a community to handle the situation. 

Photos courtesy of R.M. Swift Current Fire Department