Muddy Conditions Hampered Access at Highway 49 Grass Fire

Fire crews from Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue responded to a large grass fire late Sunday morning that burned approximately five acres of farmland near Highway 49.

The fire was reported around 11:30 a.m. on February 11, with firefighters from Picton Station 1 and Sophiasburgh Station 4 working for more than three hours to bring the blaze under control.

Fire Chief Chad Brown said crews faced significant access challenges, as muddy field conditions and a lack of frost made it difficult for firefighting vehicles to reach the affected area.

Chief Brown is reminding residents to ensure they have an active burn permit before conducting any open-air burning. He also noted that off-season weather conditions are not monitored for burn bans, making it the responsibility of residents to understand and follow the terms of their permits.

Fire officials emphasized that open-air fire damage is preventable and warned that enforcement actions and response costs may be applied when emergency services are required due to unsafe or unauthorized burning.