Although Alberta's official fire season ends this Friday, continuing dry weather has prompted new fire advisories across the southern part of the province. Rocky View County announced advisories for both its eastern and western areas due to dry and windy conditions, which have created a moderate fire risk, according to the county’s website.
Deputy Fire Chief Bill Messner noted that it’s not unusual to issue such advisories late in the season, given how quickly conditions can shift.
"This is definitely a period of the season where honestly the weather can change very rapidly," said Messner.
Messner reported a recent rise in grass fires during the past week, with up to three incidents occurring in a single day. Some of these may have been human-caused, including those linked to discarded 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," he said.
The county has also declared a fire ban, suspending any outstanding permits for fireworks and outdoor burns. However, it allows continued use of barbecues, camp stoves, and indoor fireplaces.
Messner added that there is no set timeline for lifting the advisory, which may stay in effect for at least another week as the dry spell persists.
Dry and windy weather keeps southern Alberta on alert, leading Rocky View County to extend fire restrictions as small grass fires increase across the region.