Firefighters battle grass fire near Longview

Firefighters are battling a grass fire that started in a ditch west of Longview at around noon today.

MD of Foothills Fire Chief Jim Smith said the blaze started when a towing trailer lost a wheel and the rim sparked a grass fire about five kilometres west of Longview along Highway 541.

“It’s really dry,” he said. “The ground is wet but the grass is dry.”

Smith said the driver called in the fire immediately and the RCMP arrived shortly after, but were unable to put the blaze out.

The Turner Valley Fire Department arrived about 15 minutes after the call, but the fire had already engulfed the field, he said. No buildings are located within the immediate area, he added.

All terrain vehicles were brought in to assist the firefighters in accessing the fire.

“We are still trying to get to the head of the fire,” he said, adding access is limited due to a lack of roads.

By mid afternoon, the fire consumed about 10 to 15 acres of grass and trees.

Firefighters also battled a grass fire of about 60 to 70 acres in size on Sunday along Highway 532 in the Longview area. Smith said forestry personnel are still putting out hot spots.

With the warmer weather and recent lack of precipitation, Smith advises the public to be careful with open flames such as burn barrels. He encourages anyone who sees a fire to call 9-1-1 immediately.

He also encourages motorists to pull over to the side of the road when approached by emergency vehicles.