Calgary fire crews tackled five brush fires Monday morning, following a weekend of grassfires and wildfire activity across Alberta.
The latest fires occurred after regional responders spent Saturday battling fast-moving blazes in Rocky View County and west of Sundre. Although temperatures dipped briefly on Sunday, conditions remain dry across much of the region, with gusty winds and little precipitation continuing into the week.
Dry skies ahead
Environment Canada is forecasting continued dry conditions through the week for Airdrie, with no significant precipitation expected until next Monday. Daytime highs in the Airdrie region will range from 15 to 22 C.
Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be sunny with highs above 20 C, followed by clear skies on Thursday and Friday.
Overnight lows will dip below freezing on Thursday. A mix of sun and cloud is forecast for Sunday, with a 30 per cent chance of showers overnight. Monday, May 12, brings the first notable precipitation risk with a 60 per cent chance of showers and a high near 15 C.
Stephen Berg, a developmental meteorologist with Environment and Climate Change Canada, said April was drier than average in much of southern Alberta.
"Precipitation for Calgary, for April, was 70 per cent of normal," Berg said in a May 5 interview. "Got about 21 millimetres, and the normal is about 30. For the west, Banff was about 62 per cent of normal with about 24 millimetres, when they usually get about 39 millimetres for the month of April. The Calgary-Banff corridor looked to be a bit drier than normal."
Calgary fires under investigation
Monday’s fires broke out near the Douglas Fire Trail following a 9-1-1 call just after 10 a.m. from a golfer at Shaganappi Point Golf Course. Additional reports soon followed of multiple fires in the surrounding wooded area, including one near the CP Rail tracks.
Calgary Fire Department resources were deployed across the site, using bush buggies, engines, a water tender and a gator to reach the affected areas. Calgary Police closed pathways to protect park users during active suppression. CP Rail was alerted.
No injuries or structural losses were reported. The fires are under investigation.
"The most common accidental source and cause of outdoor fires is the improper disposal of smoking materials," the City of Calgary said in a May 5 news release.
City officials are urging the public to properly extinguish cigarettes and avoid discarding butts in flower planters, dry vegetation, or from balconies.
"Use a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled part way with sand or water that should be emptied regularly," the city advised. "Ensure all butts and ash are out by soaking them with water prior to putting in the trash."
The city also reminded residents that backyard fire pits and outdoor fireplaces must follow fire safety rules and should not be used during high winds.
"Always have an extinguishing source nearby and never leave a fire unattended."
Residents who witness suspicious activity near fire ignition points are asked to contact the Calgary Fire Department at piofire@calgary.ca.
Rocky View fire now extinguished
A grass fire that broke out Saturday afternoon in Rocky View County has since been extinguished.
The blaze, which started around 3:40 p.m. east of Lochend Road, quickly grew to 1.5 hectares and drew a coordinated response from Rocky View County, Cochrane Fire Services, Calgary Fire Department, and Alberta Forestry.
No homes were lost, although one outbuilding was destroyed.
Wildfire west of Sundre remains held
Meanwhile, Mountain View County said it continues to monitor Wildfire RWF030 west of Sundre, within the Forest Protection Area. The fire remains classified as Being Held by Alberta Forestry.
"This status continues to indicate that, under current weather conditions and with available resources, the fire is not expected to grow beyond its present boundaries," Mountain View County stated in a May 5 news release.
"Containment efforts have been effective, and the fire remains stable. Suppression activities are ongoing, and authorities are maintaining close monitoring to ensure the situation remains under control."
Mountain View County also acknowledged regional support.
"Mountain View County extends sincere thanks to the Town of Sundre, Clearwater County, and the Town of Olds for their direct involvement, as well as to other emergency response partners who were on-call and ready to assist if needed," officials stated.
"Their coordination and preparedness played a significant role in supporting this response effort."
No further updates are expected unless the situation changes.
Extreme fuel load remains a risk
Alberta Wildfire continues to warn that conditions remain highly flammable across much of central and southern Alberta.
"Dead and dry vegetation continues to be a major concern, as it is highly flammable and provides an easily available fuel source for wildfires," officials previously stated. "Significant precipitation will be necessary to help reduce the wildfire danger."
Officials also noted that, while green-up is beginning, the presence of dry grass from previous seasons presents an elevated risk.
"Although we are starting to see hints of spring and green-up, there is ample dry fuel on the landscape that could fuel fast-moving wildfires," the bulletin said. "Dead and dry grass carries an extreme wildfire risk at this time of year."
Fire advisories and restrictions remain in effect
As of Tuesday, fire advisories remain in effect for the City of Airdrie and both the east and west zones of Rocky View County.
Airdrie’s advisory was issued on Friday, May 2. Mountain View County remains under a fire restriction. The Calgary Forest Area remains at high wildfire danger.
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