Grass fire burns large area near Telus Spark and Calgary zoo

The Calgary Fire Department is offering warning following two grass fires in the city on Thursday.

The Calgary Fire Department (CFD) dispatched crews to fight a significant blaze on Thursday.

Officials say firefighters were called to a grass fire near the Telus Spark Science Centre at 8 a.m.

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In a news release, the CFD said dry grass and windy conditions made the flames spread rapidly across the hillside on the west side of St. George’s Drive N.E.

The fire scorched a large field near several homes, but the CFD said no buildings were damaged.

It’s believed the fire began at a small encampment in the area where some cooking equipment had set fire to the dry grass.

Officials say there was an early report that someone had been injured in the fire, but a investigation later determined “a single individual assessed by EMS had only sustained minor burns to their socks.”

The service says dry conditions mean there is an increased risk of grass and brush fires.

“Even a small flame or spark can ignite dry vegetation, and Calgary’s frequent windy conditions can cause these fires to spread quickly and threaten nearby homes,” CFD said in a release.

Officials remind residents to never extinguish cigarettes or smoking material in planters, peat moss or your lawn or garden.

They should only be disposed of in a deep, wide, sturdy metal container with a lid, filled part way with sand or water. This receptacle should also be emptied regularly.

All smoking material should be soaked with water before putting them in into the garbage, the CFD said.