City-wide fire ban still in effect, fire department says

By LAUREN THOMSON Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on August 17, 2021.

lthomson@medicinehatnews.com

The Medicine Hat Fire Department wants to remind citizens that the fire ban is still in full effect, and will be until the fire chief decides there has been enough moisture to lift it.

The coming week has more rain in the forecast, but Scott Nadeau, acting platoon chief on duty, says the decision won’t be made about whether to lift the ban until they see how much rain actually falls, though it will be in the forecast for much of the next week.

“We need quite a lot (of rain) to make this change,” said Nadeau on Monday. “The fire chief will look into whether this fire ban needs to be on or not.”

Nadeau says although the amount of rain needed isn’t a specific measurement, there will need to be a considerable improvement in alleyways, yards and other areas with foliage buildup.

“I know the fire chief doesn’t like to make that decision but it’s the best decision for everyone,” said Nadeau.

Nadeau says that in weather conditions like Hatters have been experiencing, fire can spread quickly.

“When there’s a little bit of wind, it can literally go as fast as the wind.”

He also wants to remind everyone to safely dispose of cigarette butts.

“I’m not saying that the cigarette butts are starting (the fires) but they’re there, we’re seeing them,” Nadeau explained. “I just want everybody to please look after that responsibly; you’re putting a lot of people at risk.”

Nadeau pleads with Hatters to adhere to the rules of the fire ban.

“I can tell you that we have been to lots of calls (for people) having fires in their pits in their backyard and they’re not aware that the ban is in place,” said Nadeau. “It is in place and it’s for everybody’s safety. That goes for charcoal barbecues as well. Propane barbecues and (propane) firepits are allowed, but as for charcoal and regular burning, right now we’re asking everybody to adhere to the ban.”

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