A past grassfire near Medicine Hat (CHAT News File Photo/Colton McKee)

By Brendan Miller

Fire officials: wildfire risk in Cypress County low while Medicine Hat remains high

May 16, 2023 | 5:07 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – As most of the province deals with the impacts of wildfires burning across the north, the southeast region hasn’t had any fires break out.

Cypress Country fire officials confirm the current fire risk is low even with temperatures climbing into the May long weekend.

The county is under a fire restriction, meaning that recreational fire and burn barrels are allowed but no burn permits will be issued.

Fire officials in Medicine Hat say the current risk for fire remains high due to dry and hot conditions but they are confident in mitigation efforts moving forward.

Medicine Hat officials say their biggest concern and No. 1 cause of fire is the disposal of burning cigarettes.

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Residents are also reminded to stay attentive while cooking outdoors and use an approved fire pit that is authorized by the city.

Assistant chief of public safety Merrick Brown says local fire crews are monitoring the current wildfire situation across the province.

“It’s not solely just the fire risk provided by the province. We take into account wind conditions, soil moisture conditions, how green the grass is, all of these different things and so we have a very strong monitoring system, not just for fires but any type of incidents that could occur throughout the city,” Brown says.

Residents are reminded they need to acquire a fire pit permit from the city before having any outdoor fires on their property.