Firefighters ask residents to be careful to avoid starting grass fires. (file photo/paNOW Staff) 

By Angela Brown

Fire prevention

Fire depts. warn people to be vigilant to prevent grass fires

May 4, 2020 | 3:00 PM

The city and the RM of North Battleford fire departments are warning people to use care when they are in grassy areas at this time of the year to avoid starting a fire. Fire bans remain in effect.

While the area saw some rain overnight Sunday, crews want to make sure everyone is cognizant of the need to follow safe practices.

“Even though we had a little bit of precipitation, with the windy conditions it can still dry vegetation and grass out very quickly,” RM of North Battleford fire department co-chief Trevor Watts said.

The RM fire crews dealt with two grass fires in April – one in the Denholm area and another in the Hamlin district, north-west of North Battleford. The cause of the fires is undetermined.

Watts said while all controlled burns are prohibited now, the fire department is aware some people may still attempt to use what’s known as a burning barrel. He said if anyone tries this in their yard they need to keep a close eye on it to ensure no sparks or embers escape.

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“The wind can carry embers into tall grass and vegetation that is dry and can start a fire,” he said. “We’ve been having some pretty windy conditions too, so the wind can really dry things out in a hurry. Any type of outdoor burning we don’t recommend.”

North Battleford fire department deputy chief of training and prevention Colin O’Hara said people need to pay attention so they know when a fire ban is in effect.

“If you are unsure, get hold of us at the [fire] hall or check the city website,” he said.

While control burns are not permitted, people are allowed to cook over a flame in an approved fire pit, following regulations and ensuring it is at least three metres away from any combustible structure or material.

Firefighters recently extinguished a grass fire near the city’s industrial park area last week, with the cause undetermined.

O’Hara reminds people to be especially careful they don’t discard a lit cigarette anywhere near grassy areas.

“If you do smoke we want to make sure that you are extinguishing your cigarette butts in a proper manner – either into a metal container, or an ashtray,” he said. “We don’t want you throwing them out the window under any circumstance.”

O’Hara said it’s quite common for grass fires to start at this time of the year so everyone need to be extra vigilant.

“We encourage people to get out and clean up their yards, and keep their yard safe as much as possible,” he said.

O’Hara mentioned with children not in school at this time due to the province’s COVID-19 restrictions, he wants to make sure kids are also being cautious to avoid starting fires inadvertently.

“It’s a friendly reminder to don’t play with fire,” he said. “It is dangerous and it can cause a lot of trouble.”

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow