Fire crews battle grass fires in the Calgary area

Grass fire near the Sirocco Golf Club

Dry conditions and high winds have created a perfect storm for grass fires in, and around, the city.

Firefighters from the District of Foothills and the Calgary Fire Department responded to a fire near the Sirocco Golf Club at around 2:30 p.m. Saturday afternoon.

A section of 64 St. between Dunbow Rd. and 210 Ave. was closed due to poor visibility caused by the heavy smoke and to allow firefighters ample room to establish a location to battle the flames.

Fire trucks were set up near the clubhouse as a precautionary measure and local farmers brought machinery near the site to assist in the creation of a firebreak.

The cause of the fire is unknown and an investigation is underway.

Earlier in the day, Rocky View and Crossfield fire crews faced a large grass fire near the intersection of the QEII and Highway 72.  The joint effort of four crews successfully extinguished blaze, but an area of grass, larger than a football field, was charred.

Officials believe the fire may have been sparked by a cigarette thrown from a vehicle.

The high risk of fire has prompted the District of Rocky View to issue a level 2 ban on burning.  All burning permits are suspended, and campfires and charcoal barbeques are prohibited.

On Friday evening, Calgary fire crews contended with grass fires in the communities of Ogden and Deer Run.