SASKATOON – Warm and dry conditions are creating the ideal situation for grass fires. It’s a concern for the Saskatoon Fire Department and they have some prevention reminders.
So far this year, firefighters have responded to seven grass fires. The latest was Thursday afternoon just off Circle Drive at Airport Drive. Crews responded to 67 grass and brush fires in 2014 and 115 the previous year.
READ MORE: Saskatoon firefighters extinguish grass fire
Officials say most grass fires happen in the spring before everything greens up. They say areas covered with dead or dry grass can easily ignite and can quickly get out of control if it is windy.
There are some tips to help reduce the risk of grass and brush fires:
- dispose of cigarette and cigar butts safely – never on the ground or out of a moving vehicle;
- never leave any fire unattended;
- teach children the dangers of playing with matches and lighters;
- clean up dead leaves and twigs from yards, roofs and gutters; and
- never run vehicles close to dry grass and shrubs – exhaust from vehicles can be 500 C.
Fire officials say anyone planning to do a controlled burn needs to inform the department at 306-975-3030 before and after the burn to avoid firefighters being sent unnecessarily if the fire is called in by a passerby.
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