Relief has come for Turner Valley residents after the Town announced this morning that the fire restrictions have been lifted. Black Diamond and Turner Valley have been under fire restrictions since Aug. 16 due to drier than normal conditions for this time of year. The restrictions prohibit wood and solid fuel fires, open burning, charcoal barbecues, turkey fryers, Tiki torches and suspends all fire permits. Last week, Baxter said the ground is much drier than it typically is this time of year, and the recent hot temperatures throughout much of the month didn’t help. “The grasses and pine needles are very dry right now,” he said. “The initial fire spread is quite quick compared to when we’re at higher moisture content. The vegetation and conditions seem more like we’re in mid September right now because of the lack of moisture we’ve had.” The fire restrictions are a precautionary measure to prevent the risk of fire in town, Baxter said. “It’s only been on for about a week for us,” he said. “The MD has had theirs quite a bit earlier. In the eastern area it’s very dry. We are still fairly moist here for the most part. It’s not a fire ban just a restriction to increase awareness.” Another reason for the restriction is the impact the smoky conditions have on spotting fires. “One of the big concerns is the amount of smoke in the air,” he said. “Grass fires are detected by sight. With all the smoke in the air, early detection won’t happen like it normally would because people can’t see smoke from a fire because of the other smoke.” Baxter and Black Diamond Fire Chief Jamie Campbell assess the conditions daily, taking into consideration the towns’ water situation. “The raw water reservoir levels are low and we are in a water restriction right now at level 2,” said Baxter. “If we have a fire we consume a large quantity of water. Being aware of our water levels, we want to limit the chance of using large amounts of water and maintain that water supply for the town.” Another preventative measure to reducing fires is properly disposing of cigarettes, said Baxter. “The leading cause in the province is still the careless disposal of cigarettes,” he said. “Put them in a metal container or ash tray or wet them and dispose of them properly. The last place you want to see them is flicked out the car window.” Baxter said the restrictions do allow citizens to use propane and natural gas and fire tables and pits. “If you’re using your barbecues make sure that they’re a safe distance from any combustibles like wooden railings,” he said. Wood fire pits can only be used in the two campgrounds, Baxter said.
