Firefighters fighting a fire (Photo Submitted)
Monday June 5 at approximately 2:30 in the afternoon, Calgary Fire Department received reports of a bush fire in the McHugh Bluff area located in the Northwest. Upon arrival fire crews immedicably called for additional resources with Calgary Emergency services dispatching CPS and a HAWCS helicopter equipped with thermal cameras.
Due to the large plums of smoke and the fire becoming an increasing threat to near by homes, residents in the surrounding area to be evacuated.
Fire crews successfully brought the fire under control with no damage or injuries reported but remained on scene with the assistance from HAWCS to put at remaining hot spots.
Investigators believe the fire was caused by a tobacco product that wasn’t properly disposed.
City of Calgary wants to remind residents that because of the dry conditions, extreme caution should be used in the city’s natural areas and green spaces where extremely dry vegetation covering the ground can easily catch fire.
Currently, tobacco products are the leading cause of outdoor fires in Calgary. Calgary Fire Department recommends the following to help prevent fires and to protect your home:
- 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.
- 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.
When ever you see a fire breaking out remember to call 911 to report the fire.
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