THUNDER BAY - A grass fire that threatened a Shuniah residence kept multiple emergency agencies busy Sunday afternoon.
Just before 4 p.m., Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services responded to reports of a structural fire on the 600 block of Copenhagen road with possible persons trapped inside.
However, upon arrival, crews discovered a large grass fire approaching a nearby home and determined no one was trapped inside.
Due to the initial nature of the call and the geographic location, several emergency agencies responded to the scene, including Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services, Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, Superior North EMS, and Ontario Provincial Police.
Thunder Bay Fire Rescue crews, along with Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services quickly extinguished the fire near the residence. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Air, Forest Fire, and Emergency Services was called to assist with the fire that was spreading to the nearby forest.
The fire was fully extinguished by 5 p.m. It was determined the fire was caused by the improper disposal of smoking materials.
With dry weather expected to continue for the rest of the week, Shuniah Fire and Emergency Services is reminding people to exercise caution and dispose of smoking materials properly to prevent the start of wildfires.
Dry and windy conditions this spring have resulted in numerous grass and bush fires throughout the city and region.
