COCHRANE— Cochrane Fire Services contained a .3-hectare grass fire across from Bow Valley High School Wednesday (April 28).
Fire Chief Shawn Polley said Fire Services received multiple calls around 2 p.m. about a blaze in the River Heights area.
A bush buggy, fire engine and five staff arrived were deployed to the scene and were later joined by additional resources.
The blaze is currently under investigation.
“We’re right in the heart of a residential area so we suspect we’ll maybe have some good information from the local community to help find the cause of the fire,” Polley said.
Fire Services remain on scene and are monitoring for hot spots where the blaze may flare-up. Thermal imaging camera will also be used to check for potential areas of concern.
The firefighters are completing a wet down of the area to ensure the flames have been fully extinguished. Polley added this is important given the high winds in the area that can rekindle flames.
Grass fires remain a concern in Cochrane given the dry conditions in the area.
“It was a bit of a scare for the residents to the east … It definitely shows that even with the cold cooler weather we’ve had over this last week the fire hazard is coming up quite quickly,” Polley said.
A fire ban is not in place for Cochrane, he said, but cautioned there may be a move to a fire advisory soon. He encouraged residents to be mindful of the dry conditions and practice fire smart decisions.
“A fire ban, we only use that when we really have to. We certainly want out to support citizens and their enjoyment of the outdoors,” Polley said. “COVID has been a really tough time for people so they want to get outside.”
