Fire prevention strategies highlighted by local emergency services

Hicks remarked that an ashtray that is generally used inside of a home “is not good outside on a patio, or on a front step,” and residents smoking outside should consider using a metal bucket filled with water or sand to ensure their smoking device is completely put out before being disposed of.

He said they have noticed instances where people are using planters as a means to dispose cigarettes.

“The cigarette just smolders in there and it’s almost like adding a fuel to the fire and it just gets so out of control.” Hicks added that especially with the dry, hot conditions across Alberta, drivers should avoid throwing cigarettes out of their vehicle when behind the wheel.

“Other communities and other provinces here in Canada, they actually have bylaws and they have laws that if someone is caught disposing of something like that out of a vehicle, there could be a huge monetary fine and/or any other penalties,” he said.

“We do not have that yet in Lethbridge, but it is something that is on the radar. If this continues and the risk continues to happen, this could be something that’s going to get brought in here in the city.”

Hicks emphasized that the department’s message is not to ban people from smoking, “it’s just being responsible and mature with what you’re doing.”

“You have a right to do it, but you need to pay attention to what you’re doing,” he stated.

Hicks added that an increase in fires can also cause strain on the department’s resources.

“We have had that here in the city over the years,” he said.

“We actually had it earlier this year where we had to rely on some of our mutual aid with Coalhurst and Coaldale to come in and assist us with some fires.”

He said that so far this year, residential fires have caused roughly $4-to-$5 million in damages.

“I believe we’ve had three or more single-family dwellings [fires], but we’ve also had a few multi-family dwellings, too,” Hicks noted.

In Lethbridge’s popular river valley, Hicks suggests users carry a water bottle with them if they are going to smoke in the area.

“Just chucking it [cigarettes] in garbage cans or just throwing them on the ground, like I said, it is so dry down there, [so] next thing you know, then we don’t have a river bottom or a river valley to enjoy, he said, adding that, “you just need to make sure it’s completely extinguished before you throw it out.”

The City of Lethbridge is reminding residents that a fire ban is still active on all open fires in Lethbridge’s river valley. Meanwhile, Lethbridge County has issued a fire restriction.

NOT JUST CIGARETTES AND CIGARS

LFES’ message does not solely revolve around smoking materials like cigarettes and cigars, but items like candles and incense or plug-in Scentsy lights.

Hicks said, “You want to make sure they’re not near anything combustible.”

“Your home does not need to smell good if you’re not there. Your pets do not care how your home smells so when you leave your house, make sure the incense is out, make sure your candles are blown out, make sure your Scentsy is turned off,” he added.

“It’s something that’s so small but it’s something that can definitely save – it can save a life, it can save property.”

Hicks touched on backyard barbecues and said if possible, units should be about three feet away from your home and barbecue owners should clean their unit regularly.

“One risk I see lots of times that happens too, is heaven forbid you do have a grease fall in the propane tank and the propane tank might [catch] on fire, people panic and what they will automatically do is kick the propane tank over to get it away from the barbecue – biggest mistake you can make.”

“That propane tank has a pressure release valve on the top that as long as it’s standing upright, it will continue to release, and it will not blow up. However, as soon as you kick that over, that release valve is now closed, and you have the risk of an explosion in your backyard.”

Hicks is also reminding residents not to throw water on to a grease fire to put it out, as that will actually make the situation worse.

“Just make sure your barbecue is clean and make sure you are keeping proper separation away from anything else combustible that could [catch] on fire.”

COOKING INSIDE

Hicks said if anyone ever has a fire in their microwave or their stove, they “should just relax” and “hit the power button,” and the fire “will go out in seconds”.

He explained, “There’s not enough oxygen inside that closed oven or closed microwave to support the combustion [and] the fire will go out.”

“You’re going to need a new oven, or a good clean, however, at least your house is still standing.”

Hicks added that an ABC extinguisher will put out a grease fire in your home, but residents can also use a lid to cover the fire.

He said, “When you’re cooking, whether you need it or not, have a lid beside you that you can very quickly cover it [the fire], turn the oven off and move the pan off the burner.”

For more information, residents are encouraged to contact the Fire Prevention office at 403-320-3811 or visit the City of Lethbridge website.

Officials also note that Canadian Blood Services in Lethbridge is seeking donors. Last month, LFES members assisted in a hostage situation in which the victim suffered life-threatening injuries. Friends of the victim have posted a donation drive for August 9-11, 2022 looking to raise awareness. Those interested in participating can register under the team name 50 Shades of Red ID # TKRU0104910. General appointments can be booked through the Canadian Blood Services website.

by Justin Goulet

Fire prevention strategies highlighted by local emergency services

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