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Firefighters battle multiple grass fires in and around Airdrie

Click to play video: 'Airdrie fire crews battle grass fires off Highway 2'
Airdrie fire crews battle grass fires off Highway 2
Watch: RCMP and fire crews in Airdrie are investigating several grass fires off Highway 2 fuelled by strong wind. Ina Sidhu reports. – Apr 4, 2022

Grass fires burned in and around Airdrie on Monday afternoon, causing heavy smoke in the area.

Airdrie Fire Department received calls early Monday afternoon and, shortly after, RCMP issued a traffic advisory about the smoke.

“Travel between Yankee Valley Blvd. and the Balzac overpass on Highway 2 is not recommended at this time,” an RCMP release read.

Police also expressed concerns over commercial propane tanks in the area at risk of catching fire and posing a threat to people. Officers took steps to evacuate the area.

A grass fire burns along Highway 2 near Airdrie, Alta., on April 4, 2022. Global News

A City of Airdrie spokesperson confirmed the fire in the Fletcher Park area had been extinguished by the fire department by late Monday afternoon.

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An update issued by the city at 5:45 p.m. said all of the grass fires had been brought under control.

“There are a few smouldering areas fire crews are continuing to work on,” the city said.

Crews continued to work on a fire at the CP Rail work site, a firefighting effort that also involved the rail company.

The cause of the fires is under investigation, but officials confirmed the fires were fueled by high winds.

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