With harvest in full swing, please ensure you take diligent measures to prevent fires.
- Clean Equipment: Daily and regularly remove straw, chaff, dust, and debris from heat sources, engine compartments, and other areas prone to buildup.
- Check Bearings: Monitor bearing temperatures with an infrared thermometer to prevent overheating.
- Inspect Components: Regularly check drive belts for tension and alignment and inspect hydraulic and fuel lines for wear or chafing.
- Take precautionary measures when using low-clearance vehicles in fields - exhaust pipes can ignite dry grass or stubble.
- Have a fire extinguisher mounted on equipment and know how to use it.
- Ensure your phone is charged so you can call 911 for help. It’s good practice to have your neighbor's phone numbers so you can call for help or alert them to a fire threatening their properties.
- Carry equipment with you that can help put out or reduce the spread of a fire. Items like a shovel, a tillage implement, fire extinguisher and water. If possible, have a tractor available and/or a water truck or trailer with a pump and hose.
Residents who wish to conduct open burning must have a Fire Permit, permits can be obtained for free from a Fire Guardian in your Division or online through the Online Fire Permitting System.
Off-Highway Vehicles can start wildfires – check frequently to ensure hotspots are free of debris, and make sure mufflers and spark arrestors are working properly.
Never leave a campfire unattended. Soak it, stir it and soak it again until cool to the touch to ensure it is extinguished.
Residents are encouraged to learn and implement effective Fire Smart tips to reduce hazard within their property, acreage, or farm. More information can be found at www.farmfiresmart.ca.
Thank you for your continued efforts in helping keep County of Wetaskiwin residents and communities safe!