Leduc County is the latest Alberta area to issue a fire advisory.
That means there’s an increased risk of fire danger in the county.
This comes after a grassfire flared up last night in Edmonton’s Rundle Park.
With drier, windier weather, fire experts are offering tips for enjoying the outdoors safely.
Edmonton Fire Rescue Services fire prevention officer Courtney Tupker says BBQs should be kept far away from the home and frequently cleaned.
“Everytime you use it, clean up that grease and food particles that sometimes can cause flare ups,” Tupker said.
And if you’re sitting next to a warm fire pit, always be prepared.
“We always recommend a hose, having a bucket full of water, having sand, something we can put on it in case it gets out of control and we can put it out,” Tupker said.
The tips come as grassfire season has begun.
Since April 1, Edmonton firefighters have responded to 50 grass and bush fires, the latest in Rundle Park. Many situations can spark the fires, and humans are a major cause.
“Smoking fires are one of our leading and 100 per cent preventable types of fires that happen here and they can cause a lot of grass fires as well,” Tupker said.
The same goes for wildfires. Melissa Story of Alberta Wildfire says, on average, 63 per cent of wildfires in the province are human caused, even higher than lightning. She says the simplest steps can make a big difference.
“If you’re having a campfire, make sure you’re fully extinguishing them before you leave. Soak the ashes, stir them, and soak them again,” Story said.
There are currently 15 active wildfires in the province. None are out of control. Story says Alberta has had better weather going into this season compared to last year, but that could change, so people always need to stay aware.
With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nav Sangha
