Ranchers culling animals badly burned in grass fire near Bindloss

By Medicine Hat News on September 12, 2017.

Fire raged near Highway 555 Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. --Submitted Photo Andy Kirschenman

When the danger of the fire had subsided there was the grim task of tending to animals that had been burned in the blaze, says a farmer in the area.

Fences had been cut to allow animals to escape from the fire but still some were affected in a huge community pasture used by five ranchers, said Louise Schlaht on Tuesday.

“My husband (Ivan) has culled eight this morning in one spot but there are more. My husband and a neighbour went out,” said Louise, explaining the grim task of riding around looking for animals with a neighbour who is having to shoot the animals that are simply too badly burned.

“They are driving along and putting down as they go. They are our lifeline. My husband is going through an awful lot. There will be more.”

The fire that raged east and west of Hwy 555 was only brought under control mid-morning but it is still burning in some hot spots, said Louise.