Area ditches saw six grass fires last week

 

 

With very dry and windy weather last week, the Whitecourt Fire Department answered several calls for grass fires along the ditch of Highway 43 and one in the ditch on the old Blue Ridge highway. There are many ways for a fire to start under those conditions especially when the tall and dry grass is factored in. “Smoking materials are probably our biggest culprit for ditch fires. The next culprit might be carbon out of the exhaust of a vehicle or even if you throw a bottle out and the bottle breaks, the sun through the bottle can get magnified and since the grass is so dry it can start the grass on fire,” explained Whitecourt Fire Chief Brian Wynn.

By Thursday, May 24, Wynn said his crew had already dealt with six grass fires and that he is very grateful for the public’s response. “We’re very lucky because most of the fires were actioned by people driving by who actually stopped their vehicles, called us, and then managed to put the fires out. We went out and checked on them and cooled the areas down and just verified that they were out.”

If you find yourself in a position to put out a small grass fire, Chief Wynn said to make sure you call 911. “Then, if you have the right shoes you can just stomp it out. You’re taking away the air so that helps put the fire out. All you need to do is stomp out the flames on the edges but only if it’s small. If it’s too tall then do not risk doing it.” If you do happen to stomp out a small fire, still call 911 and let the department know. Also, be sure to mark the location of it so they can locate it. “If it’s marked with something then we know where to go so we can make sure it’s wet and safe.”

The fire along the old Blue Ridge Highway was a lucky catch for a local water hauler who was working in the area. “Jaron Water Hauling was hauling water on the road for dust control while the crews are working, and they actually came up upon the fire and were able to contain it and put it out for us. It was awesome. Kudos to them for it. The fire was encroaching on the bush and was probably only five feet from catching the forest on fire.”

Many of the ditch lines along the highways and backroads in the area have the same thick grasses and when the weather is hot, dry, and windy it’s time to be extra cautious and vigilant. Chief Wynn would like residents to self-regulate their actions so that regardless of a fire ban being in place or not they make the best decision for the conditions. “If the wind conditions are bad then you probably shouldn’t be having a fire without us having to put on a fire ban. Same for people with off-road vehicles. If it’s dry and the hazard is high, then don’t ride in the bush and instead ride in safer areas that are lower risk and make sure that your machine is in good shape. As for throwing things out your windows, you shouldn’t be doing that at any point.”

One of the highway fires required a lot of response which costs everyone money. “We had us, as well as forestry. So, we had two helicopters and I had a fire truck, a tender, and a second truck coming. We’re throwing a lot of resources at it for a cause that shouldn’t have started a fire on us in the first place. The tall, dead grass is just sitting there. It’s like a pre-built fire with kindling and wood, and it’s ready to go. It’s just waiting for a match.” Don’t be the match.