A grass fire next to Highway 22 between Highway 567 and Township Road 272 has motorists being diverted onto the side roads.

Cochrane RCMP are assisting Rocky View County Fire Services since about noon on March 7th due to heavy smoke. Volker Stevin are also coming to the scene to assist RCMP with traffic control.

Sergeant Jeff Campbell with Cochrane RCMP says while no structures are on fire or being threatened as of now, motorists are being asked to stay out of the area.

"We are requesting the general public avoid using Highway 22 at that point in time because we are diverting traffic around and away from that area, just because visibility is very poor."

Campbell adds that no evacuation has been issued at this time.

"I have been told they should hopefully be getting this under control shortly but again, it will take quite a bit of time for smoke to dissipate out of the the area. And I know they will be monitoring air quality."

Campbell says the origin of the fire is still unknown and the investigation is ongoing.

Marni Fedeyko - airdrienews@goldenwestradio.com