Jason Linton, Cypress County fire chief, says significant ground moisture has the county in good shape as fire rage elsewhere in the province. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Fire chief says risk is low in Cypress County even with high temperatures this week

May 15, 2023 | 4:03 PM

CYPRESS COUNTY, AB – As wildfires continue to rage across the northern and central parts of the province, Alberta Wildfire officials said over the weekend the heat is increasing the risk of fires starting in the south.

There are currently 86 wildfires burning in Alberta, 24 of which are considered out of control.

Cypress County fire chief Jason Linton says even with temperatures in our area forecast to reach 30 C on multiple days this week the fire risk here is low at the moment, which allowed the county to feel safe sending seven firefighters and three vehicles to help up north.

“We have had significant moisture in our county almost every day throughout different parts of the county. Different parts of the county are in different kind of hazards but overall we are in pretty good shape,” says Linton, who is also the county’s emergency services co-ordinator.

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“Everything is greening up nice which actually helps mitigate fire spread and fire growth and even starting of fires. So we are in good shape even for the next week and things are going to keep on potentially getting drier and drier for us but you know things are green right now we do have quite a bit of moisture in the ground.”

Cypress County remains at a fire restriction, meaning that recreational fires and burn barrels are allowed.

Linton says one of the first things he does each day is to check the updated recommendations from the province and moisture conditions and check the forecast. He anticipates staying at a fire restriction level all week. Any changes will be posted on the county’s website and social media channels.

Linton says last year the county researched where and how most of the county fires start and educating people about the dangers of throwing cigarettes out the window on the highway has been a focus.

There are also things you can do at home to lessen the risk of fires.

“Not having a lot of extreme firewood like wood piles, dead grass that kind of thing. There is a website called firesmart.ca you can go there and it can show your type of property and what you can do with your type of property to be kind of fire smart and prevent hazards,” he says.

“But the biggest thing is fuel load, you know make sure it’s nice and green, watering around your house. The more green it is the less chance it’s going to burn and it’ll buy us some time if there is a fire pushing on your property.”

Linton wants to remind people that Cypress Hills Provincial Park falls under the province’s jurisdiction and while the county provides firefighting support, fire regulations may be different out there. There is currently not a fire ban at the park. Check albertaparks.ca/firebans for updates.