A grass fire was burning in the East End and Gleneagles area of Cochrane, south of the Highway 1A on April 8.
Firefighters from Cochrane Fire Services, Rocky View County Fire Services and Redwood Meadows were called to the scene at 2:38 p.m.
Part of the ball park and soccer field, close to the Links of GlenEagles, were scorched. The fire also extended downward onto the hill near Dewey Blaney Park, off of Benchlands Drive. Residents with homes near the fire were out with garden hoses, fire extinguishers, and buckets of water to combat the blaze.
Cochrane fire chief Shawn Polley said they ordered a helicopter for aerial assistance but cancelled it as it was not deemed necessary.
Around 3:40 p.m., Polley said containment of the fire was looking good, despite high easterly winds.
"We were able to get a quick knockdown on the eastern plank of the fire," he said. "There's lots of community support and lots of citizens out there with brooms and water that's made a bit of a difference, especially down in the East End of Cochrane."
Polley added that fire crews were appreciative of the residents who took some steps to help combat the blaze, but also that they advised people to steer clear of the fire for their own safety where possible.
Due to the consistent nature of the winds, Polley said conditions worked in their favour.
Polley said at the time of the fire, when smoke was thick, that drivers were advised to take caution while driving on the highway nearby.
He also advised people stay out of the smoke, especially those with respiratory issues.
The cause and origin of the fire remain under investigation.
Dry conditions prompted the Town of Cochrane to issue a fire advisory yesterday. According to the Town's website a fire advisory can be issued due to windy conditions or as a warning that fire restrictions may be coming.
"During a fire advisory, open fires are allowed, but residents are reminded to be extra vigilant," the Town's website reads. "Soaking the area adjacent to the fire pits with water is recommended."
