A truck, two cabins, and an RV are complete losses as a result of the fire at Tobin Lake. (Facebook/Marius Stroder)

By Mat Barrett

Pruden's Point Fire

No injuries in fire at Tobin Lake, numerous losses

Jul 13, 2020 | 1:19 PM

A fire at Tobin Lake on the evening of Sunday, July 12 caused some hefty damage.

The Nipawin Fire Department was called to Pruden’s Point around 6:45 p.m. where a fire had begun in a cabin. Fire Chief David Balding said initial reports said the fire then spread to some nearby structures as well. He said once they arrived, crews were able to extinguish the fire and were on scene for about three hours.

“There were no injuries, I’m happy to report,” Balding told northeastNOW. “But sadly both summer homes are a complete loss, as was one RV and one truck.”

Some comments on social media suggested there was also a pet, possibly a dog, that was also lost in the fire, but Balding could not confirm that. He did say the fire was so intense, and there were not safe ways into the cabin, that lifesaving measures wouldn’t have been possible.

Mail

Canada Post reports $315M Q3 loss, compared with $290M loss a year earlier

7h ago

Workplace death

Nipawin company fined for workplace death in 2023

Nov 20, 2024

Moose killed

Young bull moose shot and left to waste near Crystal Springs

Nov 20, 2024

Balding said some witnesses believe the fire began in the front of the cabin, but that’s just speculation at this point.

“The exact cause of origin will likely remain undetermined, although investigation is ongoing,” he said. “And that’s due to the extent of destruction caused by the fire.”

Balding added bystanders in the area did a good job of making sure the fire didn’t extend into the wildland, and to other homes.

The fire in Tobin Lake is also cause for concern according to Balding, to make sure that summer homes and cabins are all fire smart.

“Travel distances mean that it takes us a while to get to such remote areas,” he said. “And ensuring that should there be an event, your home is protected from wildfires also is well worth thinking of.”

Balding said the FireSmart program can be found online, but things like keeping trees trimmed and back from your homes are a good start.

He also gave credit to the bystanders, as well as Choiceland Fire Department who were called in to assist as well.

–

mat.barrett@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @matbarrett6