Strathcona County Emergency Services (SCES) is looking for more information regarding the cause of a grass fire over the weekend.
At about 2:30 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 25) fire crews received reports of multiple fires burning in a ditch located on Highway 16 between Range Road 222 and 225.
Emergency services responded with seven vehicles and found that the fire had spread along the eastbound lane thanks to dry conditions and strong winds. The highway was reduced to one lane while crews worked to extinguish the blaze.
Most of the fires were quickly contained, except for one that spread into a nearby stubble field. All fires were considered under control about an hour after crews arrived. No injuries or structural damage was reported.
SCES would like to remind people to be cautious as we enter the fall season. They say dryer weather is optimal for wildfires and suggest people follow these tips to help avoid any further incidents:
- Do not discard smoking material from your vehicle.
- If you see evidence of fire play (e.g. campfire pits) in your park, report it to your local fire department.
- Remove any dry and dead plant debris from under decks, in the gutters, and accumulations against any structure.
- Dispose of raked leaves and yard waste appropriately.
- Always keep a watchful eye on fire pits when they are in use and make sure they are safe.
- Ensure your backyard recreational fire pit is a minimum of three meters from any combustibles and that it has a heavy gauge metal screen over it to reduce the chance of flying hot embers.
The cause of the fire is still being investigated. Anyone with information is asked to call emergency services at 780-449-9651.