Grassfire northwest of Airdrie extinguished, ‘no significant losses’: officials

A large grassfire northwest of Airdrie is now extinguished and “no significant losses” were reported, officials said late Tuesday afternoon.

A section of Symons Valley Road was closed to traffic Tuesday as firefighters battled a large grassfire that put several homes in jeopardy.

As of early Tuesday afternoon, the road was closed between Township Roads 280 and 282. The road is expected to reopen at around 6 p.m., officials said in an update at 4:40 p.m.

Several people on tractors were attempting to construct firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading closer to homes.

In an emailed update sent at 2:30 p.m., officials said the grassfire was considered “under control.” A downed power line is believed to be the initial cause and strong wind contributed to the fire’s spread over around 350 acres.

Rocky View County officials said the wind speeds reached around 70 km/h.

Emergency crews were managing hot spots and reinforcing the outer edges of the fire to prevent damage to nearby homes, according to the update.

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Power outages are expected to continue until around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday from Township Road 280 extending north for one mile along Symons Valley Road.

1:03 Crews battle massive grass fire northwest of Airdrie

In a previous Tuesday afternoon news release, Rocky View County officials said Mounties were evacuating residences in certain areas due to the ongoing fire threat.

A reception centre was opened at 900 Mountain Avenue in Crossfield, Alta. Officials said the reception centre was equipped to help evacuees and provide resources.

At 2:30 p.m., officials said there was no need for further evacuations. Residents who have been forced out of their homes will receive an update and details about a re-entry plan by 7 p.m. Tuesday, officials said.

A spokesperson for Rocky View County said approximately seven homes were evacuated.

At 4 p.m., Rocky View County declared a fire advisory effective immediately due to moderate fire risk in the area.

All burning and firework permits are suspended, the municipal district said, with exceptions for:

• Indoor household fireplaces
• Incinerators (for farm and acreage use)
• Burning barrels
• Camp stoves (properly attended)
• Barbecues (charcoal briquettes, propane, or natural gas)
• Wood pellet grills
• Propane/natural gas fire pit
• Recreational camp fires in an approved burn pit
• Chimeneas
• Fires contained within approved facilities and appliances in designated camping and recreational areas
• Oil well flaring

Environment and Climate Change Canada issued a special air quality statement on Tuesday at 4:17 p.m., saying smoke from the grassfire is causing poor air quality and reduced visibility in the area. The statement was rescinded early Tuesday evening.