Officials with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services issued a safety reminder to Edmontonians Friday, as many prepare for the long weekend – they’re asked to be careful when it comes to fires.
Since the start of May, firefighters have been called to 216 outside fires – most of those were classified as small grass fires.
Most of those grass fires were sparked by smoking materials that weren’t discarded properly, officials said.
Although officials stopped short of calling a fire ban or fire prevention notice, Edmontonians are asked to be careful with open flames – including barbeques, backyard fire pits and cooking stoves in parks.
“It’s really putting everyone on notice,” Rusty Foerger with Edmonton Fire Rescue Services said. “There’s not a ban yet, but if there are indicators it will get dryer, we will announce a fire ban.”
Conditions are constantly being monitored by officials, and a fire ban could be enacted at any time.
Residents are also reminded that fireworks or any type of open burning is restricted, and requires a special permit.
Edmontonians can call 311 to find out if a ban is in place, or go to the Alberta Fire Bans website for fire bans and prevention notices in effect across Alberta.
With files from Jeff Harrington
