A grass fire on April 15 was quickly attended and extinguished by the 108 Mile Ranch Volunteer Fire Department (108MRVFD).
108MRVFD chief Marcelle Ried says a property owner at 108 Mile Ranch just down the hill from the 108 Mall was burning slash in a barrel when sparks ignited some surrounding dry grass.
Four trucks and a dozen firefighters turned out to battle the fire shortly after 4 p.m. and Ried notes they had it under control quickly and doused within an hour of their arrival.
The blaze had spread over less than an acre, he adds.
The fire chief explains conditions were windy and he could not confirm if the sparks had come out of the top or the bottom of the barrel incinerator, as it was "quite rusted."
It's important when using burn barrels to ensure they are in good condition and solid, Ried says, adding it's also wise to cover them with grating to help prevent sparks and burning debris from escaping.