Fire official warns of ‘exceedingly dry’ conditions in the woods (update)

With files from Meghan Groff

A local official is raising the alarm about the risk for forest fires as hot, dry conditions linger in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Although we've had a little rain over the last few days, Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency said a sprinkle won't reduce the danger.

“It has been very dry for, really the last couple of weeks and perhaps a little bit longer,” said deputy chief Dave Meldrum. “We've been very fortunate so far in the Halifax Regional Municipality.”

Crews have responded to around a dozen or so small brush fires in the last week, but he said none have been significant.

Meldrum explained most human-caused grass and forest fires are unintentional and he's asking Haligonians to take precautions to prevent them.

“A carelessly discarded cigarette can cause big, big troubles this time of year,” he said. “People who work with power equipment in the woods have to be aware that that equipment is hot and can cause fires in tall brush. Even machines like ATVs, when they're operated in dry brush, can be a source of ignition.”

“We're really appealing to people to be careful in the woods and on the sides of the rural roads and do everything they can to prevent starting a fire.”

Halifax Fire receives data from the provincial Department of Lands and Forestry, looking at fire fuels that exist in the forest.

“Fires will move very fast right now,” warned Meldrum. “They have the potential to move faster than we can get equipment and personnel around them.”

Meldrum said remedying the problem is going to take more than a little wet weather. 

“Don't be fooled by a sprinkle here or there,” he said. “We need consecutive days of steady rainfall to really turn it for us.”

The deputy chief is asking people to pay close attention to the provincial burning restrictions map. As of Thursday afternoon, it's a restricted burn day in HRM, meaning burning is only permitted between the hours of 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. Friday.

The map is updated daily at 2 p.m.

However, anyone thinking of toasting marshmallows around a bonfire should use extreme caution.

“All fires need to be kept at a small size, 12 inches in diameter is recommended. A source of extinguishment has to be available, so like a garden hose,” Meldrum explained.

“Ashes remain viable for a very, very long time. We've seen ashes remain viable for days. Before you leave that site, you have to absolutely soak that whole thing down, stir it up, and check it with your hand to make sure it's cold and truly out.”

Meldrum added it's best to only burn clean, dry hardwood.

“Not materials that are going to spark and send embers and flaming materials into the air, because that stuff can land all over the place and easily ignite another fire.”