With the May long weekend bringing vacationers out into local campgrounds, the Airdrie Fire Department would like to remind campers of campfire safety.

Deputy Chief Garth Rabel said there are several rules to always keep in mind when using a firepit not just on a campsite, but at home as well.

"The number one rule, of course, is to always build a campfire in an area where there's not a lot of combustible material nearby. Make sure there's no grass or anything that can possibly be exposed and could possibly catch fire."

Remember to always use dry material for burning, make sure that the fire doesn't get too high or too out of control, and to never leave it unattended.

Rabel said that leaving a fire unattended, especially after going to sleep, is a risk not worth taking

"Make sure that there's always someone around the campfire and always have a source of extinguishment there like a bucket of sand, a hose, a bucket of water."

Any fire, no matter how recreational and how small, can be dangerous, especially for children. Rabel said that the fire department always seems to see children burned from playing too close to the fire and getting hurt.

With the weather forecast the way it is, starting the fire might be a little more difficult than usual. Campers might be tempted to use fire accelerators, but Rabel suggested strongly to resist the temptation.

"It can be very dangerous, keeping in mind that the fumes that come off these accelerants are what ignite. You may think that you're far enough away from the fire when actually the fire ignites itself when you're far too close. Use kindling and dry paper, that's the best way to get a fire going."

On a brighter note, due to the wetter conditions, Rabel said there are no fire advisories or restrictions in or around Airdrie.

"We'll continue to monitor, and if the conditions are necessary, then we'll consider what steps to take moving forward."

Rabel said that if everyone follows basic fire safety this weekend, it should be a good one.

"Everyone, please enjoy the holiday weekend, it's really a kickoff to summer, and everyone hopefully has a safe one."

 

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