Nine structures threatened in December grass fire

One of the top stories from this month was a massive grass fire Northwest of Airdrie which was surprising as it happened in December, a month that is usually wet with snow.

The massive fire started before noon on December 5 Northwest of Airdrie near Township Road 280 and Range Road 23.

Rocky View County (RVC) reported that the fire was the result of a downed powerline. 

Residents in the area were evacuated as a precaution, but luckily there were no significant losses, according to Deputy Fire Chief RVC Jon Evans.

"I think all in all, there were nine structures that were threatened, but with the great work of our crews and partner agencies, we were able to minimize the loss to one chicken coop and one abandoned utility trailer."

Fire crews from all Rocky View County Stations, with additional support from the Town of Crossfield, Mountain View County, the City of Airdrie, and the Municipal District of Big Horn also responded to the fire. 

"We really do rely on a team effort approach through all of our stations, as well as our partner agencies."

When asked about grass fires in December, Evans stated that not surprisingly it is a rare occurrence.

"In early December you usually have moisture conditions, whether that's through snowpack or rain. The summertime is when you would more likely experience wildfires or grass fires."

Evans also talked about all the farmers and neighbours who stepped up to help before all the fire crews were able to arrive.

"I would like to say thank you to those to individuals who stepped up in the moment, there was one particular structure we can account for saving that was directly the result of the additional support of the farmers."

The gusting winds at the time helped spread the fire up over approximately 350 acres.

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