CHAT News file photo

By Charles Lefebvre

Fire safety

Hot temperatures brings higher risk of fire

Jul 23, 2019 | 3:42 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat firefighters are reminding residents that with warmer temperatures in the forecast this week, they need to do their part to help prevent fires.

According to Environment Canada, the temperature in Medicine Hat is expected to reach a high of 36 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, and the region remains under a heat warning. Temperatures are currently forecast to hover close to the 30 degree mark.

The warm temperatures can dry out grass in the city, adding to the risk of fires. Firefighter Curtis Sjodin says they’ve already responded to at least two grass fires in the city limits this month, including one near Scholten Hill. Nobody was injured in that fire, and firefighters were able to cut the fire off before it reached any structures.

Sjodin says a cigarette was the cause of the fire, and says the combination of improperly disposed of cigarettes and dry conditions can spell disaster during the summer.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Nov. 15-17

19h ago

LIVE UPDATES

Road construction, detours and traffic in Medicine Hat

21h ago

In the community

Medicine Hat public library screening movie to open discussion on addiction and recovery

Nov 14, 2024

“Obviously, the hotter it gets, it can dry out grasses, so one of the main things we want to watch for there is the ditches can be dry,” said Sjodin. “Improperly disposed of cigarettes, if you’re driving a car, never throw a lit cigarette out of the window. We have had grass fires in this town there, so definitely be careful with the disposal of cigarettes at this time when it gets hotter.”

Sjodin adds another issue for firefighters this summer is fire pits on properties. Two weeks ago, he says firefighters were called to a fire in a pit which was over a city gas line.

“There was a gas leak and nobody got injured, but that’s another reason that we want to make sure that people have a proper permit, because those are something we look for to make sure you can safely enjoy a fire in your backyard,” he said.

Sjodin says homeowners need to have a permit before they can use the pit, and an adult needs to supervise the fire pit while it’s in use.

“If you have a permit and follow the rules, then you shouldn’t have a problem,” he said.

Sjodin says there is no fire ban in Medicine Hat right now

Cypress County is currently under a fire restriction until October 31.