The North Battleford Fire Department has placed the city under a fire ban until dry and windy conditions improve. (File photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Ban on burning

Fire ban in place in North Battleford

Apr 6, 2021 | 1:00 PM

The City of North Battleford has been placed under a fire ban due to dry and windy conditions in the area.

All controlled burning is prohibited in the city during this period as a precaution until conditions improve. Fire chief Lindsay Holm said the ban will remain in effect until conditions improve. He also encouraged residents to be very fire safe over the next few weeks.

“Until things start greening up and those real dry conditions are alleviated by the grass growth,” Holm said.

Approved fire pits are still permitted to burn, but only with extreme caution. Holm said it’s critical for those with a pit to take measures to ensure they have a means of extinguishing it, such as having an adequate supply of water available.

“Just in case it becomes necessary, before the fire department gets there,” he said.

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Holm said the decision was made to put the ban in place after observing how dry the overgrowth surrounding the city currently is in spite of moisture still in the ground. He added that the wind conditions are another reason to be cautious.

“Just in case some embers could get away and start a grass fire,” Holm said.

Time for pit approval

Given the current level of dryness, the fire department is reminding residents to follow fire pit regulations and for prospective owners to ensure theirs meet all requirements. All fire pits in North Battleford are required to be inspected and approved, meeting such rules as being at least three metres away from any property line, building or other combustible structure.

“Residents need to make sure they don’t have a fire that is too large in size,” Holm said. “We just want to make sure people are utilizing them in a way that meets our regulations.”

Anyone who operates an unapproved pit could be liable for damages induced from a fire. Holm said his crew will be following all COVID-19 protocols in handling an inspection and that anyone can set up an appointment with the department.

“‘We’re continuing on, business as usual,” he said. “We’ll be more than happy to assist with some guidance for setting up a fire pit.”

Holm also advised burning clean, dry firewood.

“That will help with smoke that’s off gas from fires, and make sure it won’t bother any neighbouring or adjacent properties,” he said.

“We just want people to be able to enjoy their fire pits in a safe manner.”

Further guidelines and requirements for fire pit use are available on the city’s website.

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cjnbnews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW