Fire Bans & Community Safety

Understanding Fire Bans and How You Can Help Keep Our Community Safe

Conditions across our region have been drier than usual in the last few years, increasing the risk of wildfires. As a community, it’s essential to understand our role in preventing fires and the reasons behind fire bans, even after rain showers. Fires can spread rapidly and cause significant damage, but with your help and awareness, we can work together to protect our lands and homes.

The Importance of Community Involvement

The local community plays a crucial role in preventing and managing wildfires. If you notice a fire or any dangerous situation, it’s vital to report it to 911 immediately. Quick reporting is crucial, as wildfires can escalate quickly.

Farm equipment, such as plows and discs, can be highly effective in creating firebreaks, which help stop a fire’s spread. However, it is crucial that all efforts are coordinated with fire crews to maintain safety. Uncoordinated actions can pose risks to both you and the firefighters working on the scene. If you have equipment that might assist in controlling a fire, such as plows or water tankers, please make yourself known to the fire scene command on arrival. The fire command will direct resources to ensure everyone's safety and coordinate efforts effectively

We also encourage you to keep your water tankers filled and ready to deploy. Having water readily available can be a tremendous asset in firefighting efforts. If you have a water tanker, please let the fire department know about its location so they can plan accordingly in case it is needed.

Why Fire Bans Remain After Rain

One of the most common questions we receive is, “Why are fire bans still in place even after a day of rain?” The decision to issue or lift a fire ban is based on several factors beyond just rainfall. While rain does help to dampen dry conditions temporarily, it does not always provide enough moisture to significantly reduce fire risk. Here’s why:

• Amount of Fuel: A major factor in deciding fire bans is the amount of available fuel, such as dry crops, long brown grass in ditches, and other vegetation that can catch fire. Even after a day of rain, these materials can dry out quickly and still pose a significant fire risk. Fire bans often remain in place until these fuels are reduced to safer levels.

• Weather Forecast: Rainwater moisture can be quickly negated by the return of dry, hot weather. We closely monitor weather forecasts, and if the weather is expected to dry out rapidly after a brief period of rain, the fire risk remains high. Additionally, not all areas receive the same amount of rainfall, so while one part of the region may appear less risky, another may still be very dry.

  • Wind Conditions: Winds play a critical role in the spread of fires, and in recent years, wind conditions have become more unpredictable and severe. Even with moisture on the ground, strong winds can quickly dry out vegetation and spread fires more rapidly, necessitating a continued ban until conditions stabilize.

  • Availability of Volunteer Firefighters: Our community relies heavily on volunteer firefighters who are actively engaged in farming, especially during seeding and harvest times. Their availability is crucial for effective fire management. Reducing fire risk through bans helps manage their capacity and ensures they can respond effectively when needed.

Given these considerations, fire bans are implemented based on a thorough risk assessment conducted in consultation with area fire chiefs and fire guardians. We use tools like ACIS Mapping (Alberta Climate and Atlas Maps) to evaluate climate and moisture levels across the region and make informed decisions.

We understand that fire bans can be inconvenient, especially when it seems like conditions have improved. However, they are necessary to ensure our communities' safety and reduce the risk of uncontrolled fires.

How You Can Stay Informed and Involved

To stay up to date on fire ban information, visit Alberta Fire Bans. This resource provides the latest updates on fire bans and advisories for your area.

Kneehill County residents can also sign up to receive Fire Ban notifications from Kneehill County via text and email.

Finally, if you are interested in serving your community in a more hands-on way, consider becoming a volunteer firefighter. Fire departments across the Kneehill area are actively recruiting and looking for dedicated and courageous individuals to join their teams. Volunteering as a firefighter is a rewarding way to make a difference and help protect your community from the dangers of fire.

Your support and vigilance are essential to keeping our community safe. Together, we can stand united against the threat of wildfires and ensure a safe and productive environment for all. Thank you for your continued cooperation and dedication to our shared safety.

Please contact your local fire department for more information or to coordinate your efforts. Your safety is our top priority.