On Tuesday evening, Drumheller Fire and Rescue along with EMS were called to a fire in the backyard of a residence on 16th Street NW in Midland.
According to Fire Chief Derian Rosario, it all stemmed from igniting a fire pit. “There was a fellow out in Midland that was lighting his fire pit. He had a little bit of an issue and it got away from him. It ended up taking out his shed. The radiant heat also damaged the neighbours home, and two detached garages there as well. The quick action of the fire crews were able to get that fire under control very quickly and was no real extension of that fire.”
There are specific rules when it comes to fire pits within the Town of Drumheller, specifically a wire screen for the pit. “Having an ember screen on your fire pit is a really good and safe practice,” admits Rosario. “It stops those sparks from flying away and landing in your neighbours yard, or your shed, or anything else in your backyard.”
We have had quite a bit of rain over the past week but not enough to remove the Fire Restriction according to Rosario. “We’re going to be in a high to a very high condition as we go through the weekend and into Canada Day. Right now, we do have a fire restriction in place. That doesn’t mean you can’t have your backyard fire pit, you definitely can, just do so very safely. We are just not issuing any fire permits for large burns and consumer fireworks are not allowed to be shot within the town limits.” Rosario shares that the restriction will not affect the Town’s fireworks on Canada Day. “The only thing that is going to stop is a heavy amount of rain or winds over 40 kilometres per hour.”
For all the updates on fire restrictions and bans in Alberta, visit www.albertafirebans.ca.
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