Dry weather generates Fire Ban

Times Contributor

 

Wheatland council imposed a fire ban on Sept. 16, in hopes fire risks would be lessened within the county.

“This is the highest risk time right now, with the winds and the heat,” said Councillor Ken Sauve.

While dry weather is great for harvesting crops, fires are generated by machinery harvesting over dry cropland. Standard Fire Chief Phil Phaubion said the fires can’t often be helped, but they can be contained with wise risk management practises.

“I want to give a big bouquet, thanking farmers that have a water truck and tandem disc on hand to deal with fires when they start. It really helps,” said Phaubion.

He said applying water and tilling fire breaks catches the fires immediately, so it doesn’t get established and require an extensive intensive fire response. With these careful practises the fires are often out before the fire trucks arrive.

Phaubion said his crews have recently assisted on two fire calls, one in Hussar and one in Rockyford. One was combine generated. There were also recent fires in Arrowood and the Strathmore area. Mark Heilman, Fire Chief for the Strathmore Rural Fire District, said the majority of recent fires in his area had been harvest related. One farmer was spreading manure on his field and straw made it into hot areas of the truck where it ignited. Luckily he planned ahead and had a cultivator on site. 

“Having water and a cultivator close at hand cuts losses down quite a bit,” said Heilman.

Both Heilman and Phaubion agree the fire ban should be enforced, considering  the recent hot weather. Phaubion said the intermittent rainfalls don’t do much to stop the fire risks.

Councillor Ben Armstrong said the ban could not apply to crop harvests, but it may decrease the fire incidents set by errant individuals. Councillor Alice Booth said that the Fire Ban is used to stop indiscriminate burning practises.  Some examples are burning in fire barrels, trash and leaf piles and the practise of controlled stubble burns. See www.wheatlandcounty.ca for a full list of banned activity.

“Anyone who starts a slough on fire right now is out of their mind,” said Councillor Ben Armstrong.

The topic of fireworks was brought up. The use of fireworks is currently under Alberta government review. Protective Services Manager Gerald Skibinsky said that they are not currently issuing permits for personal fireworks. Chief Administrative Officer Allan Parkin said that people without a permit are taking a big risk to light fireworks, because if a fire starts from their use, the individual will have to pay all costs associated with fighting the fire. 

Council felt they had to invoke the ban in order to protect the county’s liability and uphold their responsibility to the ratepayers. The action ran contrary to established procedures, which involves fire guardians and fire chiefs to set the ban, but it is within the Council’s right under accepted provincial guidelines. There was a suggestion that degrees of fire risk be indicated on advertisement boards throughout the county. Council recommended the guidelines for fire bans will be re-evaluated, after the Fire Review results are in place. Five councillors approved setting the ban, one was opposed.

Fire departments in the county always need support from the public to carry on their work. They are manned by volunteer crews and don’t receive funding like the large municipal services. They support residents by responding to emergency situations and fires, like the recent harvest flare-ups and are looking for residents to support their local fire departments in return. 

The Strathmore Rural Firefighters have a fundraising Ladies night planned for Oct.5. It is an annual event that is always a fun and interesting night out. Tickets are still available at ProWater in the Town of Strathmore. Watch for other fundraisers throughout the year, for the various halls within the County.