Calgary,
05
June
2023
|
18:53
America/Denver

Calgary Fire Crews Battle Large Brush Fire at McHugh Bluff in Calgary's North West

At approximately 2:30 on Monday afternoon  of June 5,  Calgary 9-1-1 started receiving calls regarding a brush/grass fire in the McHugh Bluff area of the North West.  The fire  was growing quickly, spreading uphill and threatening nearby homes. Plumes of smoke could be seen from a distance.  Arriving fire crews called for additional resources due to the fire's proximity to homes and to strategically position above and below the fire on the steep hillside.  CPS officers  and  HAWCS were incredibly helpful in providing real time information on the movement of the fire in the dense brush allowing fire crews to position resources for the optimization of firefighting efforts.

When the fire was brought under control, fire crews were kept busy looking for hidden hot spots  in the dense vegetation with a thermal imaging camera. No injuries were reported and damage to nearby homes was  successfully prevented.  A Calgary Fire Department Investigator attended the scene and although the cause is not known at this time,  the fire may be related to improper disposal of smoking material. Another contributing factor to the rapid spread of the fire is the poplar fluff that is currently blowing around  in our green spaces. Poplar fluff is extremely flammable and causes fire to spread very quickly.   

At the time this release was issued, Calgary fire crews were busy with another brush fire near Harvie Passage. At 6:50 p.m., fire crews were  still actively working on containing the fire and CPS officers were evacuating the area.

Improper disposal of smoking material such as tobacco products is the leading cause of outdoor fires in Calgary. To help reduce outdoor fire risks, citizens should make an effort to properly dispose of smoking material. Remember to always call 911 to report a fire.

The Calgary Fire Department would also like to encourage parents and caregivers  to remind children of the dangers of fire and that matches and lighters are tools for adults and not toys for children.  If you are concerned about a child's interest in fire, please visit calgary.ca/fire

Smoking in natural areas:

Extreme caution should be used in the city’s natural areas and green spaces where extremely dry vegetation covering the ground provides readily combustible fuel if an ignition source is applied.

To better protect your homes, it is recommended that you:

  • Never put out cigarettes or smoking material in flower planter, peat moss, your lawn or garden. 
  • Use a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled part way with sand or water that should be emptied regularly.
  • Never toss your butts out of  a vehicle window
  • Ensure all butts and ash are out by soaking them with water prior to putting in the trash.

Smoking in natural areas

Extreme caution should be used in the city’s natural areas and green spaces where extremely dry vegetation covering the ground provides readily combustible fuel if an ignition source is applied.

Reducing risk

  • Do not store propane tanks, firewood or yard waste next to your house.
  • Prune all tree branches within two metres of the ground and plant new trees at least three metres apart.
  • Assess potential fire hazards within 1.5 metres of your home, including natural debris, trees and other structures.

Please visit firesmartcanada.ca for more information on how you can protect your home from a wildfire.

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