With the hot weather approaching many residents are being reminded of last year's devastating wildfire season. 

According to Deputy Cheif Linda Maason, the majority of local fires that the fire department responds to in the summer are caused by the improper disposal of tobacco products. 

"People are outside enjoying their evenings and smoking and they tend to put the butts into clay pots or flower pots with peat moss and mulch in them that are significantly combustible." 

The Fire Department also wants to caution people about throwing their cigarette butts on the ground or from their vehicle,  in spring especially there is a lot of long dry grass that can ignite. 

The Fire in Sharp Hill last October that completely destroyed one house and caused the evacuation of many is believed to be the result of the improper disposal of a cigarette. 

Mason said it's important to pay attention to local and provincial fire bans. The City posts their fire bans on the City Of Airdrie's website as well as the Alberta fire ban website.

"We also do media advisories, so if people are wondering they can always call the city of the fire department."

Although it is not a major issue, Mason would like to remind rural residents within the city limits that if they are planning on doing a controlled burn to visit the fire department and get a permit for the burn.

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