By Leah Murray and Charles Lefebvre

Firefighters deal with a grass fire in the city’s northwest

Apr 4, 2018 | 6:35 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Medicine Hat firefighters had to put out a grass fire in an area of the city’s northwest last night.

The call came in at approximately 5:45 p.m. last night. The fire was located in the Saamis Drive area, according to platoon chief Joe Greenan.

Fire crews managed to get it under control within 15 minutes. The cause of the blaze is not known, says Greenan. No buildings were damaged in the fire and no one was injured.

Despite the melting snow and abundance of runoff, fire officials say the grass itself is still very dry and fires can spread quickly.

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“Grass fire season will be upon us before we know it,” said Greenan. “This cold weather doesn’t make it look like it’s going to get any better, but it is going to get better, it’s going to get warmer, windier.

“The grass is probably fairly long. With all the moisture at the end of May, June, when things start to grow, the old stuff is still there, so, yeah, it could start burning.”

Greenan is reminding residents to watch their equipment while working and keep an eye on firepits once the weather warms up. He adds residents should properly dispose of all smoking materials, including matches.