A partial fire ban that was recently in effect throughout Mountain View County due to dry conditions was lifted late on the afternoon of Monday, March 21.
Officials had issued a complete ban on Wednesday, March 10, and no burning of any type was permitted within the county's boundaries until it was changed to a partial fire ban late last week. For updates on the fire ban, check the county's website www.mountainviewcounty.com/fire.
County officials announced the partial ban was lifted because of recent precipitation and forecasted moisture. The public is nevertheless urged to exercise extreme caution while burning and to use precautionary measures like screens and spark arrestors on burning barrels, cultivate areas surrounding controlled burns and have a supply of water readily available at all times. Campfires should always be attended and fully extinguished when leaving the site, said a press release.
"We're going to have a busy spring if we don't get some moisture," said fire Chief Marty Butts.
The Sundre Fire Department responded to several grass fires during the week of March 7.
"That's when they put the fire ban on," said Butts.
Local firefighters provided mutual aid to other departments in battling a few blazes, including a couple of fires near Cremona, and every fire department throughout the county was busy responding to grass fires. At this time of year, there is usually still a fair amount of snow on the ground providing some moisture, but that's not the case this year with dry, brown grass exposed everywhere, he said.
"Now, when a fire starts, it's more likely to spread quicker."
With fire season in effect, people are reminded and urged to be cautious when either making camp and pit fires or other burns once the fire ban is lifted, said Butts.
"Be aware of your surroundings," he said. "Make sure you don't leave it unattended until it's fully out."
Property owners are encouraged to keep debris on their land to a minimum and to mow their grass to reduce the potential fire hazard, he said.
"Just be fire smart."
As long as there is no fire ban in place, acreage and farm owners are allowed to have small fires in their backyards, but they will require a burn permit for larger burns such as brush piles, he said, adding members of the fire department need to have a look at the site to ensure the burn won't create any issues. For any questions about county burn permits, call 403-335-3311 and follow the prompts.
Additionally, only clean wood and branches can be burnt ó no treated wood, plastics, used oil, or tires. Anyone with doubts can contact the fire department at 403-638-4044 and Butts said he could either provide information over the phone or possibly even come out in person to have a look.
Depending on where a property is located, burn permits for sizeable fires can be obtained either through Mountain View County or the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office in Rocky Mountain House for landowners west of Sundre after Rge. Rd. 60, he said. That office can be reached by calling 403-845-8581.
Obtaining a burn permit helps to avoid false alarm calls by keeping fire departments informed when people are planning controlled burns, which might end up being reported by concerned neighbours as smoke starts to billow up into the sky, said Butts.
But before anyone starts a fire ó whether it's a small pit fire or larger controlled burn ó it's important to check on fire bans. There are hefty fines that can be levied against someone who starts a fire during a ban, he said.
The fire chief is part of a local initiative to take proactive measures to protect Sundre and its surrounding area from the threat of wildfire by creating a FireSmart plan. The next meeting, which is open to the public, will be held tonight (Tuesday, March 22) at the Sundre Legion at 7 p.m.
"If you've got questions or concerns, be there," said Butts.
