RMWB recently experienced some of the first brush fires of the season but more are expected as the dry weather continues and the municipality is preparing in case this happens. A recent brush fire at Parsons Creek had forestry staff, pilots, and firefighters all busy trying to eliminate the blaze. The very next day another fire flared up on the Abasand trail system. According to RMWB regional fire chief Darby Allen the dry conditions make brush fires easy to start, and right now the Fort McMurray area is drier than it has been for decades at this time of year. Reports from Environment Canada and Alberta Wildfire also confirm this fact. Both of the recent weekend fires were finally extinguished, no one was hurt, and no property was damaged. Things might not turn out so well next time though and residents need to be careful not to start a brush fire.

According to Darby Allen “Unfortunately, Mother Nature deals us this hand, so we have to deal with the hand we’ve got and prepare accordingly. It’s just very dry conditions and it’s still early spring. We certainly are preparing for a busy season.” One of the recent brush fires was close enough to Fort McMurray that city residents could see the smoke coming into the city. The fire risk level for Fort McMurray was quickly adjusted from low to very high by the province, and efforts are being made to get the message out to people about the risks so brush fires can be avoided. Allen explained “We’ve ramped up advertising, and are focused on getting the message out and trying to be safe.” Fire bans have also been put in place.