BONNYVILLE - Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) crews battled against plus 30 Celsius temperatures and wind as they fought to contain a fire in a hay field being harvested east of Chicken Hill Lake on July 10.
Alicia Krawchuk, BRFA interim fire chief, confirmed the department responded to the fire at about 12:45 p.m.
“Upon arrival, fire crews from Glendon Station 3 were met with windy conditions that caused the fire to spread and promptly called Bonnyville Station 5 for backup,” Krawchuk stated. “Crews worked tirelessly throughout the heat of the afternoon and extinguished the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation.”
With the extreme heat experienced in the region in recent days, conditions are becoming more favourable for easy ignition and spread of fires, Krawchuk noted, urging people to use caution.
“It is recommended that anyone operating machinery near vegetation perform proper equipment maintenance including keeping the unit clean and free of debris that could ignite; always stop to investigate hot engines, bearings or sites of smoke, and have a plan if a fire does start.”
Krawchuk also urged residents to pay close attention to local alerts and follow fire ban notices to stay informed and safe.
Fire ban
A fire ban is in place for the MD of Bonnyville, Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach, Summer Village of Pelican Narrows and Village of Glendon as of July 10.
Existing fire permits are cancelled, and no new fire permits will be issued.
Prohibited
•All outdoor wood fires, including wood campfires on public land, private land, designated campgrounds, and backyard firepits.
•Barbeque charcoal briquettes,
•Fireworks and exploding targets