Alberta’s fire season officially ends on Friday, but dry conditions have prompted new fire advisories in the southern part of the province.
The county has issued advisories for both the east and west sides of Rocky View County due to dry and windy weather, creating a moderate fire risk, according to the county’s website.
"This is definitely a period of season where honestly the weather can change very rapidly," said Rocky View County Deputy Fire Chief Bill Messner.
Messner noted that the dry conditions have led to a rise in grass fires over the past week, with up to three fires occurring in one day. Some of these fires may have been caused by human activity, such as discarded lit cigarettes.
"Please use the proper receptacles. Please don't flick them out of the window. That definitely can cause a lot of issues that way," Messner added.
The county has also imposed a fire ban, suspending all outstanding permits for fireworks and outdoor burns. Exceptions are in place for barbecues, camp stoves, and indoor fireplaces.
While there is no specific end date for the advisory, Messner expects it may remain for at least another week due to ongoing dry weather.