By Chris Brown

City suspending rough-cut mowing during hot, dry weather

Jul 14, 2021 | 3:32 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – To mitigate the risk of fire following weeks of hot and dry weather conditions, the city is suspending all rough-cut mowing operations.

Rough-cut mowing occurs on non-manicured grassed areas like road right of ways or dryland areas. These areas carry a higher risk of equipment striking an object, or potentially sparking, due to the presence of large rocks, culverts, and general discarded debris.

Fire chief Brian Stauth says suspending operations is the right move at this time.

Rough-cut mowers are equipped with class A fire extinguishers to suppress fires related to mechanical or electrical failure on the equipment, “but are not an adequate fire mitigation measure should a grassfire be sparked under these conditions,” says Stauth.

James Will, the city’s director of Parks and Recreation, says taller weeds and grass may be seen around the city for the next little while.

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“If there is an area that requires mowing due to safety concerns, we will work with the Medicine Hat Fire Service to ensure appropriate suppression is available,” he says.

Mowing will continue on manicured turf-like parks. Crews will monitor precipitation in the coming days and weeks to determine when it is safe to resume rough-cut mowing.