Kronau fire. Photo courtesy of the volunteer firefighters on scene.

Residents have been given the all clear to return to the hamlet of Kronau, though emergency responders are requesting drivers avoid Highway 33 in the Kronau and Sedley area. A large grass fire forced the evacuation earlier today.

It is believed that the fire was started by a passing train, although the cause has not yet been confirmed. Due to the fire being close to rail tracks, there was a concern it may ignite nearby tanker cars. It started two kilometres northwest of Kronau and spread as far as five km southeast of Sedley.

Two volunter fire departments from the Kronau area and Regina crews  responded first, followed by more from Sedley, Balgonie, Pilot Butte, White City, provincial wild land teams and a crew of firefighters who were doing controlled burn training in the area. Crews continued working late into Friday evening to put out hot spots.

While some crops were lost, no structural damage was done and nobody was injured. As more information comes available, Discover Weyburn will keep you up to date.