The recent spate of grass and brush fires throughout Westlock County must not go unnoticed.
While those fires did not get out of control and wreak undue havoc, it’s important to realize just how much harm letting a fire take hold can cause when conditions are dry enough to allow the flames to roll across the land with near total abandon. And with the two-year anniversary of the Slave Lake fire coming up this week, it’s not hard to think back and recall just how much damage an out-of-control fire can cause.
Now, we acknowledge it is impossible to prevent 100 per cent of all brush, grass and forest fires.
Mother Nature has been around for millions of years and she will endure for millions more after we’re gone. She will do what she wants, and all we can do is attempt to lessen her damage.
But those fires that are created by people are easy to prevent. And with conditions such as they have been for the past week, it is critical those fires are prevented.
Within the past week, Westlock County firefighters have responded to at least 10 grass and brush fires in various areas around the county. All of those fires, according to county fire chief John Biro, were preventable.
That single statement says it all — many people don’t realize the hazards that dry, windy conditions present.
Yes, perhaps some of those fires could be classified as accidental — as in a person’s actions caused sparks to fly, igniting easily flammable, dry grass.
But when those manmade fires are the result of someone lighting a fire without recognizing the potential consequences, that’s when we have a problem.
In these dry times, a sense of community responsibility is integral. It is not a time to think only of oneself when one’s actions could result in property damage, physical injury or even death to a neighbour, no matter how far away that person lives.
So be careful out there, and if you don’t have to burn, don’t light a fire. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
