Downed power line likely cause of grass fire northwest of Airdrie: County
Posted Dec 5, 2023 1:43 pm.
Last Updated Dec 5, 2023 3:09 pm.
Rocky View County says a downed power line is likely to blame for a grass fire which forced some residents in the area northwest of Airdrie to evacuate Tuesday afternoon.
Strong winds reaching up to 70 km/h are also thought to have contributed to the fire at Symons Valley Road NW between Township Road 280 and south of Township Road 282, county officials add.
As of 2:30 p.m., the county said the blaze was under control but that power outages would be in place until 7:30 p.m. from Township Road 280 extending north for one mile along Symons Valley Road to allow for repairs .
Symons Valley Road NW was closed north of Township Road 280 and south of Township Road 282 for several hours following reports of the fire.
Some residents of the area were also evacuated from the area with the help of RCMP as a precaution.
“Our emergency teams are actively managing hot spots and reinforcing the fire’s perimeter to protect nearby structures and prevent the fire from spreading,” the county said in a statement. “Utility services are also closely working with fire crews to tackle any issues caused by the fire. In addition, municipal enforcement officers are securing the area to ensure the safety of the public and the crews engaged in fire suppression efforts.”
Fire crews from seven Rocky View County Stations, as well as the Town of Crossfield, Mountain View County, City of Airdrie, and the Municipal District of Big Horn are on scene to manage the situation.
