While grass fires remain a possibility due to the dry nature of the grass, it is not the only concern of the Airdrie Fire Department (AFD).

AFD still wants everyone to be mindful when discarding of their cigarettes.

However, it is backyard fires and barbecues that are worrying first responders.

 AFD Deputy of Training and Community Safety, Ken Hubbard said the biggest issue they have encountered this year is backyard fires started by barbecues that have not been used all winter.

"With the increase in warm weather, a lot of people are using their barbecues or gas appliances on their decks and their property. We want to just remind people to make sure your appliance is clean, make sure you check the fittings. That it doesn't have any gas leaks and make sure it is the appropriate distance away from combustibles. So your siding, other materials, deck chairs, those kinds of things and making sure you have a source to be able to extinguish those if you need to."

Hubbard said they have also dealt with multiple power poles that have caught fire.

AFD recommends that any combustibles are at least 3 meters away from any backyard fire and the fire is no higher than 1 meter.

 

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