Edmonton fire crews battle more than 200 outside fires since early April
02 May 2020
Published by https://edmontonjournal.com
CANADA – Spring regrowth has started but dry, windy conditions have led in part to Edmonton crews responding to more grass and bush fires than this time last year, with 209 calls in April alone.
During the same timeframe in 2019, from April 1 to April 29, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services crews responded to 179 fires, said spokeswoman Brittany Lewchuck in an email.
“In early spring, there is a heightened fire risk in natural areas; and great caution is necessary by people using these areas,” Lewchuk said.
“Use of fire pits near natural areas must be managed with caution as flying embers can be carried by light breeze into the wooded areas. Carelessly discarded smoking material or intentionally set fires can also have a devastating effect. As we wait for the regrowth to begin, dry conditions combined with strong winds are a persistent challenge facing our firefighters.”
Of those calls, crews responded to three “large” fires, which are classified as being bigger than a hockey rink; last year during the same time period, crews responded to nine large fires.
“Given the dramatic improvement to the weather and disappearing snow, we do remind Edmontonians to exercise caution with any burning activity given the spring conditions,” Lewchuk said.
To help ease the threat, Edmontonians are reminded to follow all outdoor firepit requirements under the community standards bylaw, with more information found at edmonton.ca/firepits. Cigarettes and other smoking materials must also be properly discarded, never extinguished on the ground, in the garbage or in dry, grassy areas.
Grass or outdoor fires should be reported to 911. But individuals repeatedly breaking bans or restrictions should also be reported.
“We would encourage the public to politely communicate the noncompliance to the individual, as most of these instances occur because of a lack of awareness. However, we recommend calling 911 if the individual continues restricted activity,” Lewchuk said.
