A Moment with the Mayor: Fire safety and digging

Many welcome the recent rainfall. Farmers and ranchers appreciate the moisture to grow grass and seeds. In an urban setting, lawns are starting to green up, and flowers and gardens are itching to be planted and tilled. We hope the new grass growth will lessen the fire hazard, and outdoor enthusiasts hope to see the removal of fire bans or restrictions. For local information, visit Lloydminster.ca/fire.

This time of year is always challenging as we await spring rains to wash everything off and encourage new growth. The old grass is an excellent fuel source, just waiting for the right conditions to feed a fire. 

We can all help prevent fires by being fire-safe and ensuring we’re handling fire and all sources of ignition or fuel in the least hazardous way possible. Many ignition sources are flicked out of a vehicle window, or a spark is caused by metal dragging on a rock. Ensuring cigarette butts are disposed of properly is a big part of this. I have recently heard of several stories where someone put out a cigarette butt in a flowerpot, and then it simmered and ignited. The material in most planters and pots is not actually soil and is flammable, so that is not a good option. Sand in an old tin can is a much better choice. 

Wetting down the grass or area around your fire helps backyard fire pits stay in control. For many, barbecue season is in full swing, and cleaning your barbecue is a great place to start. Always make sure that your BBQ is far enough away from your deck edge or siding. 

Fire extinguishers are a great thing to have in case of emergency. Many farmers and acreage owners have a water tank and pump as their first line of defence and to help with their fire protection needs.   

On another related issue, construction season is kicking off everywhere in and around the city. Another source of ignition can simply be a shover, bucket or blade that comes into contact with a metal surface. Caution needs to be exercised around grassy areas of construction sites or excavations. The other challenge when disturbing the soil for a fence post or digging up for any reason is that we don’t always know what is underground. With the recent installation of fiber optic lines throughout the city, there is something else buried underground. Before starting any project, save yourself the cost and headache of failing to plan your work accordingly, and please remember to call or click before you dig:

• Alberta One-Call, operating as Utility Safety Partners
• Sask 1^st Call 

As always, call 911 if an emergency arises and you require the resources of the protective services team.

Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers
City of Lloydminster