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By Alice McFarlane

Wildfire evacuation plan for ranchers

Preparing for the possibility of evacuation of livestock

May 29, 2023 | 1:15 PM

With the sunny, warm, and windy weather comes dry field and forest conditions. Wildfires are a very real risk.

Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association CEO Grant McLellan said everyday activities could start a fire by accident.

“Especially when areas are so dry right now, we want to remind producers about activities such as running out with the quad. Be sure and watch for any sparks that may happen,” McLellan said. “Really trying to avoid any opportunity for a fire to start because it is extremely dry.”

McLellan said do not burn sloughs or flax piles without checking with your RM and local fire station first. He said what’s happening in Alberta right now is very serious, and producers in Saskatchewan need to prepare in case something similar happens here.

There are several proactive measures that can be completed to prepare producers for a wildfire emergency. It’s good business practice to have a risk management plan in place. It’s also important for your mental health and the well being of your operation.

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McLennan said when it comes to livestock there are some things ranchers can do to prepare.

“Having contact information for any prearranged off farm evacuation sites. It may be an auction mart; it may be a feedlot. Ensure that you have the necessary insurance in place and that you’ve got things like water and feed readily available at prearranged sites. Also have a detailed inventory of your livestock,” he said.

Livestock producers should have an evacuation kit which includes things like feed supplements, copies of vaccination records, medical records, proof of ownership. They should also have cash and a credit card.

“You don’t know what the scenario might look like. It could be days; it could be longer. But I think it’s important for all of us to have some of these emergency plans in place,” he said.

If your operation is located in a wildfire susceptible area, some type of irrigation or sprinkler system will help suppress a fire. McLellan said removing vegetation and wood debris within 10 to 30 meters of farm structures by thinning and pruning and exposing bare soil will slow down a wildfire.

He said equipment that may help fight an approaching grassfire or wildfire could include a tractor, disk, harrow, or water truck.

McLellan said its good practice to review the wildfire history in your area and keep an eye on the provincial fire ban map so that you’re not doing anything that might create an additional risk in your area.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @farmnewsNOW