Barn, tractors lost in fire east of Byemoor

Stettler Regional Fire Rescue, along with the Big Valley and Byemoor fire departments, responded to a structure fire Monday.

Fire crews were called to a barn on fire at about 5:40 a.m., east of Byemoor near the County of Stettler border. The structure was destroyed, along with some farm machinery parked inside, including a swather and two tractors.

But, thanks to the owner’s quick response to dial 911 and efforts from fire crews, surrounding structures weren’t damaged and the fire didn’t spread past the barn.

No injuries were reported, and the initial investigation indicated the fire might have started because of an electrical problem, but the investigation is ongoing.

Also on Monday, Stettler Regional Fire Rescue responded to a complaint of a gas smell near the CCS building, along Highway 56 north of Big Valley. The call came in at about 1:44 p.m. when a driver passing by smelled gas in the air and called 911.

Fire crews responded and it was decided that contractors would do an air quality test. The origin of the smell is unknown at this time. No injuries have been reported.

Last Thursday, Stettler Regional Fire Rescue was called out to two separate motor vehicle incidents. The first occurred at about 7:45 a.m. on Highway 835 about three miles north of Erskine, when a single vehicle slid into the ditch.

While the vehicle sustained minor damage, the lone occupant reported no injuries.

The second incident occurred at about 10:15 a.m. Thursday on the overpass east of Erskine. A single vehicle lost control and hit the guardrail, sending the lone occupant to hospital by ambulance with non-life-threatening injuries.

Stettler fire crews conducted traffic control for a short time, while Ledcor removed the damaged railing.

While the investigations are continuing, slippery road conditions are being considered factors in both incidents.

At about 8 p.m. last Tuesday, Jan. 24, Stettler Regional Fire Rescue and Byemoor Fire Rescue were called to a large grassfire south of Byemoor.

Thankfully, the fire was a controlled burn and the landowner had a valid burn permit. No injuries or damage to structures were reported.