As Albertans watch the horrifying scenes of devastation in Fort McMurray and open their homes, hearts and wallets for the victims of the wildfires, the question in the back of many minds remains — Can this happen here?
The unfortunate answer is yes, according to Stettler Regional Fire and Rescue chief Mark Dennis.
"We could absolutely have a prairie fire," he said.
While so far the county and town have been lucky with a bare minimum of calls, Dennis attributes that mostly to luck and to an early fire ban.
"We put out a fire ban two weeks earlier than last year," he said. "Two weeks before that we stopped issuing burn permits. I think that made a big difference."
Dennis said that many spring fires are caused by improperly extinguished burn piles of brush and other winter detritus being burned in the county. Other causes of fires include cigarette butts, burn barrels, and farm repair work that ignites sparks, like grinding.
"People just need to stop and think, 'Maybe I can do this later,'" he said.
The sort of super-hot fire, like the one burning at For McMurray, is not as likely to happen here because of the different terrain, but a prairie fire could be just as dangerous given the very dry conditions.
A fire ban, which prohibits all burning — including fireworks and charcoal barbecues — is in place in the County of Stettler and the Villages of Rochon Sands and White Sands. A fire advisory is in place in the Town of Stettler, and a provincial fire ban is in place throughout the province.
The summer villages have specific bans because of the number of trees, the closeness of buildings and buildings to trees, and the lack of hydrants, Dennis said.