The Airdrie Fire Department was kept busy over the Easter weekend.

Crews were called to a report of a grass fire in the area of the Airdrie BMX track in Fletcher Park at 1:05 p.m. on Easter Sunday.

Deputy Chief Garth Rabel says crews arrived to find a grass fire burning between the BMX track and the nearby railway tracks. He says seven firefighters used bush trucks to quickly extinguish the fire and keep it from spreading.

No one was injured. Rabel says the fire was caused by sparks from a saw, which workers were using to cut metal beams.

Rabel says this serves as a reminder to be extra careful in these dry conditions, whether it’s cleaning up yards, having an outdoor fire pit, or properly disposing of cigarettes.

“There is heavy spring load right now with the old dry grass from the winter. Now it’s exposed and these winds have been drying it. There is potential for fire risk,” says Rabel.


Photo of fire near Airdrie BMX track: courtesy Adelle Hvidsten

Meantime, an electrical fault is being blamed for a garage fire in a home in Big Springs on Sunday afternoon.

At 1:20 p.m., fire crews responded to the 200 Block of Springs Place SE to find smoke coming from the main floor of a two-story home.

“The house smoke alarm had activated and thankfully all residents had safely evacuated prior to the arrival of the fire department,” says Rabel.

11 firefighters made quick work of the fire, which was located in the front attached garage of the home and Rabel says the residents were allowed back in after a thorough check to ensure the fire had not spread.

Damage is estimated at $10,000.

Rabel says it's important for homeowners to ensure their smoke alarms are working, have a home escape plan, and meet the crews on scene if anything does happen to advise where the possible fire is.

"Our firefighters are currently on the street for the next few weeks conducting our home safety program. They go door to door in communities to ensure people understand the importance of having working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes in the event of a crisis, such as what just occured, so families can safely evacuate to the street and contact 911 from a safe phone for assistance," says Rabel.

 

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