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