With the snow quickly receding and the river breaking up, spring is coming to the valley. It is also leaving behind tinder-dry grass and brush.
Conditions in Drumheller and the surrounding area are extremely dry and have heightened the fire risk.
Last Saturday, April 22, the Dalum Fire Department responded to a brush fire in their area in windy conditions. Fire Chief Albert Jensen tells the Mail, that conditions are very dry in their service area, contributing to the risk.
At this point, no fire ban has been issued for Wheatland County.
“It is not unprecedented for this time of year, but it is highly flammable,” said Jensen.
The department utilized a Super B water tank to have water on site. This unit is on loan as the department awaits delivery of its own, which it has been diligently fundraising to purchase. This brings an ample supply of water to the site when often there is no access in rural areas.
He cautions residents to be more vigilant when conditions are this dry. This includes properly extinguishing smoking materials and taking care when burning.
“Right now, it is so dry that even hitting a rock when you are harrowing can start it,” said Jensen.
The following day, at around noon, the Drumheller Fire Department responded to a grass fire near a gas plant on Taylor Siding Road. While the department was able to quickly put out the fire, it demonstrates the heightened risk.
“It’s getting awful dry, and it doesn't look like there is much moisture in the near future," said Drumheller Fire Chief Derian Rosario.
This follows a bale fire near the Drumheller Institution on Wednesday evening, April 19, and last weekend's fire in Nacmine that started from an outdoor recreational fire.
“If you are going have an outdoor fire right now, and there are no restrictions, make sure you have a proper fire pit, and have it three metres away from any combustibles, including above, such as a tree canopy,” said Rosario. “The pit must be 18 inches tall and have a screen. It is so important.”
“If you do have an outside fire in a pit, when you are done, soak it, stir it and soak it again, so you know it's out. Be careful and mindful not to leave a fire unattended.”
The Town of Drumheller issued a fire advisory on Tuesday, April 25 until further notice due to warming weather and dry, windy conditions.
Under the advisory consumer fireworks and burning without a valid fire permit are prohibited.
Campfires and fire pits at commercial campgrounds and residential fire pits compliant with Fire Bylaw 04.07 are permitted, along with natural and propane fire pits, electric stoves, barbecues, and smokers that are CSA approved or ULC certified; charcoal, briquette, and wood barbecues and catalytic or infrared style heaters that are CSA approved or ULC certified are also permitted.
