Fernie firefighters took down an out-of-control grassfire south of the city over the long weekend.
On Friday, crew members were dispatched to Robinson Road, where the flames got away from the property owner.
Officials say this time of year is known as the ‘spring dip,’ when fine grassy fuels in the valley bottom have dried out before new plant growth emerges.
Elk Valley and South Country Rural Fire and Rescue Chief Michael Hockley says it is important to take precautions, particularly in dry conditions.
“At this time of year, fires can easily get into the dead, dry grass from the fall and expand quickly and unpredictably,” said Hockley.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure you use extreme caution when doing outdoor burning and choose to burn in safe conditions when the forecast is calling for calm winds throughout the burning period.”
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyEastKootenayNow News Alerts.
