Fort Smith has a fire restriction in place and is urging residents to avoid burning and using certain types of vehicles especially in tall grass and forested areas.
“Fire risk is extremely high. Winds are picking up,” warned NWT Fire on social media.
Officials advised to avoid burning, operating dirt bikes, side by sides, and ATVs in tall grass or forested areas. They have issued a restriction advising the public that burning is permitted only in “a safe approved fire pit” with a “hose immediately available.”
To ensure a fire pit meets Fort Smith’s safety standards, and the Fire Prevention Bylaw 1024 Fort Smith advised to build the pit with specific types of fire proof materials.
“Build your pit with rock, concrete, brick, or metal. Have your pit at least 3 meters in all directions from buildings, gas lines, property lines, and overhead wires. Surround the pit on all sides with non combustible brick, concrete, or gravel. Only burn clean dry wood, keep a water source near by, and monitor the fire while burning. Never burn garbage or other man made materials,” the town’s protective services website advises.
Officials are urging residents using these safe backyard fire pits to use them responsibly with “extreme caution.”
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Fort Smith. Over the weekend, hot, dry and windy weather was present
“These conditions make it very easy for wildfires to start and spread fast,” warned N.W.T. Fire.
Anyone who would like more information and tips on how to help prevent wildfires can go to the GNWT website’s wildfire prevention page.
