Crews were called to a property north of Cochrane on Monday afternoon to douse a grass fire, highlighting just how dry the conditions are in southern Alberta right now.
Rocky View Fire Services say a homeowner was burning some garbage, and the ensuing embers lit the surrounding grassland on fire.
Firefighters put out the fire and are investigating whether or not the property owner was properly following fire rules.
Dry conditions have prompted a fire advisory in the county, which bans all permit burning in the area due to the dry and windy conditions.
Under the advisory, all outstanding permits are suspended until further notice.
There are the following exceptions:
- Internal household fire places
- Incinerators (for farm and acreage use)
- Regulated burning barrels
- Camp stoves
- Solid fuel barbecues (charcoal briquettes)
- Liquid fuel barbecues (propane and natural gas)
- Recreational camp fires (approved burn pit 24” in diameter or less)
- Chimeneas
- Fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas
Officials say that violators may be fined and can also be found responsible to pay for the full firefighting costs.
