You might be wondering why Airdrie is only under a fire advisory, while our neighbours including Cochrane and Rocky View County sit under a full fire ban.

Deputy Fire Chief Garth Rabel explained that it is up to the discretion of every municipality, community and city what level of fire restriction they enforce. Areas with large amounts of rural land, such as the county, have a higher risk of seeing fires start, especially with dry conditions. Burn barrels, agriculture, and off road vehicles all play a factor in the increase opportunity for fire to break out.

"In an urban environment we do have backyard firepits, which have a bylaw. We don't want to over regulate people and take away their opportunity to enjoy living within their community."

Airdrie does have some rural land within its jurisdiction. They went under a fire advisory on July 5 at the same time as Cochrane and the county to suspend burning permits in those areas, but since then the risk in Airdrie has not necessitated a further fire restriction.

Rabel said as long as residents continue to follow the fire pit bylaw, there won't be any reason to instate a fire ban.

"Right now we haven't had any real major issues when it comes to burning backyard firepits and that type of thing, so there's no real need to handcuff folks and not allow them to enjoy their free time."

Rabel also said that they do communicate with neighbouring counties and municipalities, and in some instances they will mirror what Cochrane and the County do.

With the long weekend upon us, Rabel said they don't see the need to increase fire restrictions.

"The fact that it's a Monday or a Saturday shouldn't make a difference when people are being responsible and safe. We're gonna watch, monitor, respond if required, and we can make change at any time."

 

Questions, comments or story ideas? Email us at news@discoverairdrie.com