Traffic in the northeast part of Blaine Lake was re-routed Thursday afternoon of when a Viterra semi trailer unit hauling anhydrous ammonia was unable to manoeuvre a turn effectively.
The rear of the trailer containing the tank became partially stuck in the road junction. The mishap occurred at approximately noon.
Three nearby residences were evacuated as a precautionary measure.
A tractor was brought in to tether the tank to prevent the unit from upsetting. A secondary anhydrous storage unit was called in to transfer the anhydrous ammonia before the semi trailer was dislodged and straightened. No leaking of product occurred and there were no injuries reported.
A crane was used to lift the rear of the trailer out of the ditch.
Viterra's response team reacted swiftly and worked in conjunction with local RCMP and fire department.
Weldon and Elaine Parsons were in the process of packing their belongings in anticipation of their move the following day when they were asked to leave their home until the matter was resolved.
After approximately eight hours the couple were permitted to return to their residence.
"The local RCMP, volunteer firefighters and members of the Emergency Response team were incredible with providing information and assistance to us," commented Weldon graciously, "we were even offered pizza for supper."
Firefighters, the Emergency Response team and police were on the scene for over nine hours.
"Viterra commends its response team, the local police and fire responders for their collaborative, thorough and cautious approach to ensuring this matter was handled safely and effectively," the company states in a release.
Blaine Lake volunteer firefighters responded to a call May 14 at approximately 4:10 p.m. to a farmyard northwest of Blaine Lake at SW29-45-7w3. Two fire trucks and a van were dispatched to fight a grass fire that was threatening a home and vehicles. Firefighters were able to contain the fire to the yard and protect the home and two motor vehicles. Many piles of equipment, debris, and vehicles were lost to the fire. The house was unoccupied at the time but frequented by the owner. The matter is still under investigation.
Blaine Lake fire Chief Andy Ciona reminds anyone that is considering a controlled burn to call 1-866-404-4911 before the fire is lit. When reporting a controlled burn you will be asked for your land location, rural municipality number, fire service provider, location details, what you are burning, how long the burn is expected to last, your name and telephone number. You will also be asked to call back once the burn has been completed.
Taking the proactive approach to reporting the burn eliminates the potential of fire trucks being dispatched unnecessarily by concerned citizens.
