Hot, dry conditions prompt citywide fire ban

The Calgary Fire Department has issued a citywide fire ban as dry conditions and high temperatures create “significant” risk.

The fire ban will be in effect until further notice. It prohibits open fires, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, torches, fireworks, and barbecues and stoves that burn solid fuels, such as wood or briquettes.

Deputy Chief Allan Ball said the fire department has been closely monitoring conditions throughout the summer, and that the ban reflects increased risk due to unseasonably dry ground conditions and high daytime temperatures.

Moisture levels in outdoor grasses and other organic materials are currently at historically low levels throughout the city, the department said.

“Historically, we wouldn’t see these values until late September or October when the frost comes and it actually cures the grass and it makes it go dormant for the winter,” said Ball.

“We’re actually seeing those values right now — that combined with some really high daytime temperatures has created a significant risk.”

The fire ban comes on the heels of a heat warning issued by Environment Canada for areas including Calgary, Lethbridge, Red Deer and other parts of southern Alberta.

A high of about 32 C is expected for Calgary on Wednesday, well above normal for this time of year.

Ball said a citywide fire ban is “quite rare.”

The last time such a ban was issued was in 2015.

“This is a pretty historic summer around little moisture,” said Ball.

“We’re at the point now where we can’t take the risk of having open fires, because any start, especially in our grasslands, it’s going to be a very fast-moving, aggressive fire.”

The department is asking residents to be particularly cautious in natural areas and green spaces, where dry grasses, shrubs and dried leaves are covering parts of the ground, and to only dispose of smoking materials in proper ashtrays.

Gas or propane stoves, and barbecues and portable propane fire pits that are CSA approved or UL certified are still allowed, in addition to patio heaters and internal household fireplaces.