City of Lethbridge is reminding residents about fire safety this time of year.
The City of Lethbridge is reminding residents about fire safety.
With the warm temperatures, low humidity, and dry vegetation much of southern Alberta is experiencing, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services is reminding residents about wildfire risks, as the wildfire risk is currently high in the city.
“Early spring is one of the highest-risk times for wildfire,” the City of Lethbridge stated in a release. “Before grass greens up and trees leaf out, dry vegetation can ignite easily. A small spark can quickly turn into a fast-moving fire. Wind can push flames through grass and natural areas, especially in coulees and along the river valley.”
According to the City of Lethbridge, even with forecasted precipitation, the wildfire risk can remain high, as fine fuels can dry quickly, especially if there are windy conditions.
They add that discarded smoking materials are, still, the leading cause of fires in the natural areas of Lethbridge, and in dry conditions, even one cigarette can start a quickly spreading grass fire.
In fact, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services has already responded to two significant wildfires within city limits this year, and with a potentially dry spring, their crews are preparing for increased fire activity.
“Wildfire risk is a real concern in Lethbridge, particularly in and around our coulees and river valley,” Jason Schrage, Lieutenant and member of the Wildland Fire team, stated in the release. “We are actively training so crews are ready to respond, but reducing risk starts with all of us.”
Recently, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services conducted wildland fire training to help strengthen response capabilities and ensure operational readiness.
“This training ensures our crews are ready to act,” Wes Borland, Deputy Chief of Training, Special Operations and Infrastructure, added in the release. “We are prepared, but prevention is what will make the biggest difference in protecting our community.”
Individual actions help to prevent fires, and residents are encouraged to take simple steps to reduce the risk of fire on their property, especially those who live near coulees and natural grasslands.
To help reduce the risk of wildfires occurring, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services recommends keeping grass cut short and well-maintained, remove dry leaves and other combustible materials from around the home, maintain a clear space between structures and flammable vegetations, and use caution with open flames, smoking materials, and equipment that may create sparks.
If you see smoke or fire, call 9-1-1.
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