The fire ban in the Municipality of WestLake–Gladstone has been lifted following significant rainfall and improving conditions.
Local residents can now resume open burning activities in accordance with municipal regulations.
Rainfall helps reduce fire risk
Fire Chief Graham Tapley of the Lakeview Fire Department confirms that the recent rains played a significant role in alleviating the fire risk. The local area saw rainfall between 1.75 to 2.25 inches over the past few days, which helped soak down the dry vegetation and encouraged green growth in areas prone to fires. This has helped to mitigate the risk of wildfires.
Fire Chief remarks on recent conditions
“We’ve had a busy spring, mostly with grass fires,” Tapley says. “Just recently, we were called out to a farmyard that did lose some buildings as a result of the fire. It started in some long grass on the yard.”
Caution still urged despite ban being lifted
While the fire ban has been lifted, Tapley emphasizes the importance of being cautious when burning, regardless of the ban's status. He adds that the department will continue monitoring the area closely and could reinstate the ban if conditions worsen.
“Even if there is no fire ban, people should be cautious when they are burning, whether it’s a campfire or garbage,” Tapley continues. “Just to be aware of weather conditions and your surroundings to make sure the risk of that fire getting out of control is as low as possible.”
Guidelines for open burning
The fire department reminds residents to follow essential fire safety guidelines when engaging in open burning activities:
- Never leave a fire unattended
- Have water or a fire extinguisher readily available
- Burn only natural vegetation – no trash or prohibited materials
- Check local weather conditions and wind advisories before burning
As fire risk continues to fluctuate with the weather, Tapley says the department will remain vigilant and ready to reinstate the fire ban if conditions change.