Residents in Drumheller had a bird’s eye view as fire ripped across the dry prairie grass late Thursday afternoon. Fire broke out around at about 4 p.m. on the hill across the Red Deer River from the Badlands Community Facility and spread north to Verdant Valley Road. Roughly 50 firefighters from The Drumheller Fire Department, Rosedale Hall, Rockyford Fire Department, Dalum Fire Department, Munson Fire Department and the Morrin Fire Department all provided aid. RCMP were also on site. The fire was under controlled by 7:30 p.m. and crews continued to monitor the area for hotspots well into Thursday evening.
The cause of the fire is being classified as an accident. With the high winds and exceedingly dry conditions, the fire was able to spread rapidly over the prairie. Drumheller Fire Chief, Bill Bachynski, cautioned residents about fire safety.
"With the extreme dry conditions, if it continues like this, the fire hazard is going to get worse. Anyone using outdoor fires, like fire pits, should use caution," said Bachynski.
The dry conditions, if they persist, may result in a fire ban. There is no ban currenty in effect in the area.
"If these conditions keep up, we may see a fire ban. There is no fire ban right now, I want to make that clear," said Bachynski.
