Calgary fire crews respond to several grass fires

Starting at 12:30 this afternoon, Calgary fire crews were called to two separate grass fires which had the potential for causing significant damage.

The first call was to the ravine behind a house on Scandia Hill N.W. where the caller to 911 saw smoke and flames and could also hear the crackling of the fire. The caller also stated that there had been some youth in that area previous to the fire however it is not known if they are connected to the incident. No damage to structures was reported and there were no injuries.

The second fire occurred behind a 30 unit building at Sierra Morena Mews S.W. in a forested area. Fire crews quickly evacuated the building, contained the fire and protected the structure by running fire hoses through the hallways and onto balconies of the units at the rear of the building.

No injuries were reported as result of this fire and residents are being allowed back into their homes. This fire appears to have started near a pathway although the exact cause is currently not known.

Please be aware that due to the increased fire risk caused by dry, hot weather, the Calgary Fire Department issued a fire safety advisory for Calgary earlier this week. This fire safety advisory reminds citizens to be cautious when using outdoor open flames, including barbeques and backyard fire pits which meet City of Calgary bylaw standards, and disposing of smoking materials.

“We ask that everyone be extremely vigilant when disposing of smoking materials and when using any outdoor flames,” said Carol Henke, public information officer for Calgary Fire

Calgarians are also asked to be cautious in the city’s natural growth parks and green spaces where there are dry grasses and shrubs. Remember to only dispose of smoking materials in proper ashtrays and to only have fires in approved fire pits according to the Community Standards Bylaw.

Citizens should be aware that even if Calgary weather includes some moisture, such as rain or snow, the fire safety advisory may remain in place as there may still be an increased fire risk.

With wildfires, as well as similar dry, hot weather conditions occurring in some Alberta communities, many have implemented fire bans and advisories. Fire bans are more likely to be called if the community does not have other bylaws or policies in place around burning and open flames. Calgary does have these burning restrictions and with the current risk a fire ban is not required at this time. Calgary Fire continues to watch weather forecasts and conditions to ensure Calgary is prepared for any changes to the fire risk and will update the status of the fire safety advisory as needed.

If you are traveling outside of Calgary, please learn the status of fire bans and advisories throughout Alberta at https://albertafirebans.ca/. For more information on Calgary fire bans and fire safety advisories, visit calgary.ca/firebans or contact 311.

Remember to always call 9-1-1 to report a fire.

-30-