The Town of Cochrane announced a Level 2 fire ban, citing the dry and windy weather conditions as a potential hazard.
Effective as of April 29, the ban includes regulated burn barrels or firepits, charcoal barbecues, chimeneas, incinerators on acreages, and contained fires in designated recreation areas. Burning permits are also suspended until further notice.
Grass fires have kept firefighters from Cochrane Fire Services, as well as Rocky View County Fire Services (RVCFS) and Redwood Meadows Emergency Services, busy during the latter half of April.
“It doesn’t matter if it rained or if there are still patches of snow on the ground,” said Gary Barnett, RVCFS district chief. “All the grass and leaves from last year are layered on top of the ground, and are drying out. Just add a spark and it will burn.”
Barnett said many grass fires are human-caused: tossing cigarette butts, igniting burn barrels at the wrong time, or all-terrain vehicles — like quads — that could spark a blaze.
To prevent a grass fire, Barnett encouraged residents of Cochrane and the county to be diligent about keeping grass short, and cleaning dead grass and leaves from around structures. He added that flammables, such as lumber and fire wood, should be safely stored.
No fire ban has been announced for the county as of April 30.
However, any unpermitted burning in the county could cost homeowners a cool $250 — that fine increases if the burning continues.
Cochrane fire chief Mac deBeaudrap said the public should keep an eye on the town’s website (cochrane.ca), as well as albertafirebans.ca for information regarding local fire bans.
“Residents should take proper care to clear their yards but the fact is, they shouldn’t be burning anything when a fire ban is in effect,” he said.
“But if you do have a fire and it sparks outside of the burn barrel or fire pit — you could be on the hook for the entire cost of firefighting.”
