Prince Albert firefighters responded to multiple fires that broke out in a ditch west of Highway 2 on Thursday. Around 4:20 p.m., fire crews were dispatched to the scene along Elevator Road, where they discovered multiple separate areas burning along the grid road and railroad. Thanks to the help of nearby residents who provided loaders, graders, and water trucks, fire crews were able to contain the blaze after eight hours. Despite the fire’s extensive nature, with at least six separate locations, the Prince Albert Fire Department (PAFD) says no structures were damaged. “The cause of fire was determined to be from fireworks being discharged from a moving vehicle,” the fire department said. According to the PAFD, remains of expended firework cartridges were found on the road, and residents reported hearing fireworks being discharged shortly before the fire was reported. The PAFD says that over time, there has generally been an upward trend in structure fires each year. This week alone, the department responded to two structure fires. As of May, nearly 20 structure fires have been reported in 2025 in Prince Albert. A large portion of the outdoor fires the department responds to are considered suspicious. Carey Silbernagel arrived home Wednesday to find a large fire burning in the grassy area near the back alley behind his house. “So, we figured, better call the fire department and get them to come out and take a look at it,” Silbernagel told CTV News. “From the three minutes, from the time we called 911 to by the time they arrived, I’d say it tripled or quadrupled in size.” The fire was extinguished before it managed to reach any houses in the area, but Silbernagel said he and his wife were concerned about how quickly the fire was spreading before it was snuffed out. “The bush is behind our house here, like on the side of the river. It’s pretty close to the trail,” he said. “If it jumps the trail, it’s going to threaten the houses and yards.”
