Fire bans have been issued by the City and the RM of North Battleford. (File photo/RM of North Battleford Fire Department)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Risky conditions

Fire bans issued by North Battleford, RM

Apr 25, 2022 | 4:47 PM

Fire bans are being issued amid dry, windy conditions in the Battleford.

The City of North Battleford began the week with that announcement, noting the increased risk.

The City of North Battleford has been placed under a fire ban due to the current dry conditions and high winds. Fire Chief Lindsay Holm told battlefordsNOW that the high winds have cancelled out some of the moisture from melting snow, so that even if the soil is wet, dead vegetation and dormant grass are not.

“The taller grass has dried out considerably and we’ve had some warmer weather,” he said. “So we want to make sure the community is safe from wild fire.”

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The department had their first calls for grass fires over the weekend with a large fire occurring on the south side of Poundmaker Trail, just past the Highway 16 Bypass. Hold said the blaze moved quickly, so the conditions are ideal for grass fires.

“We were able to stop it before it got down into the River Valley,” he said. “But it is very dry down there, so I would encourage anyone walking down there to make sure they’re fire safe.”

(Submitted photo/Fire Chief Lindsay Holm)

While controlled burns and anything outside of an approved fire pit is prohibited until further notice, those with permits for their approved pits are still allowed. Holm said those can still be utilized provided residents follow steps like close supervision, having water nearby, paying attention to hazards like wind and properly eliminating the flames before leaving.

“We just want to make sure that anybody that is using an approved fire pit is doing so safely and that it’s completely extinguished before they walk away,” he said.

Applications for permits and inspections are still available for approved pits.

Holm also encouraged residents to “keep dry vegetation and combustibles away from buildings, be cautious with discarded smoking materials and to report any suspicious activity or fires started.”

Surrounding area

Image taken by the RM of North Battleford Monday morning. (Government of Saskatchewan)

While the south side of North Battleford saw the first blaze of spring, the north side of the city is also at risk for grass fires. The RM of North Battleford issued their own burning ban within the municipality because of dry conditions.

Co-Chief Aaron McNabb said it’s typical to have this type of precaution at the start of the season as they had similar early ban last year. He added that there have been some early, minor calls which has the department choosing caution after having more risk than expected after winter.

“So, until we have the moisture event and start to get some greening, we’ll probably maintain this,” he said. “Most of our rate payers have been out and understand what the conditions are like.”

Similarly, approved burning pits will be exempt from the ban.

“Because many people use an incinerator or barrel for garbage burning, we permit it, so long as the surroundings are good, such as on gravel,” he said. “Use common sense when lighting a barrel on a windy day and use one with a grate on it or an incinerator.”

McNabb said they won’t issue any new permits for brush control until there’s a change in weather conditions, which they are monitoring. The hope is for rain to hit and help grass turn green, which is less likely to burn badly.

“There’s no set rule as far as what changes the ban,” he said. “A lot of people are surprised by how dry things are, but just be cautious and use common sense.”

(File photo/RM of North Battleford Fire Department)

battlefordsNOW also reached out to the Town of Battleford Fire Department for comment.

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cjnbnews@pattisonmedia.com

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