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Cypress County firefighters had a busy Wednesday, battling two wildfires - one near CFB Suffield and the other near Walsh. This one is near HIghways 1 and 884.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel Members of the communities near CFB Suffield and Walsh came out to assist Cypress County firefighters during two separate grassfires Wednesday.
“It’s very good when everyone comes together and has a common goal to assist and get that fire out,” said county fire chief Kelly Meyer.
One of the 50 volunteers near Walsh had to be taken to Medicine Hat Regional Hospital due to smoke inhalation for further observation.
Their current status is unknown, but Meyer says they’ll most likely be fine.
“There were no burns, just some smoke,” he said.
“Just the way that the winds were shifting on us in Walsh, one second the wind was blowing towards our backs, things were good, then all of a sudden we’re having to retreat because of the smoke coming at us.”
A one-time inhalation of grassfire smoke isn’t going to cause any long-term health issues, Meyer added.
“If we’re dealing with a structure fire – a lot of hydrocarbons and cellulose material – that stuff can affect you quite a bit,” he said. “This is grassfire, just normal smoke. It could have long-term effects if you’re exposed to it every day, but just a little bit, you’ll get some coughing, upset stomach and watery eyes.”
Near Suffield, farmers, ranchers, British and Canadian soldiers, as well as residents of Jenner and Tilley came out to provide assistance.
