Warm weather mixed with the occasional rain storm has local fire fighters remaining optimistic about the low chances of grass fires resulting from dry conditions, but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

That's the message from Lacombe County Fire Chief Drayton Bussiere, who says so far, it's been an average fire year, as they saw a few smaller grass fires early on when it was really dry, but things have since levelled out.

“The fire conditions this year have been very dynamic, right now I think we are in a reasonably dry conditions, so I like to always encourage everyone ti just be diligent in extinguishing fires, and being careful, and getting fireworks permit so we are covering things, but I don’t think we are at a real high risk right now.”

Bussiere says calls for grass fires may be lower, but he has noticed a possible increase in the number of vehicle related incidents they have responded to.

“We’re seeing actually a bit of an increase in traffic accidents, mostly on the highways, and just an increase in previous years, and I think it’s actually due to an increase in volume on the highways, so those things are usually connected. The highways are generally busier this time of year, the weathers nice and so people like to get out on the roads and go wherever.”

He says he's considered a fire ban because of the dry conditions a few times, but then a storm will roll through and provide us with moisture.

He reminds residents to still be cautious, make sure any fire is put out before leaving the area, and a permit is required if you want to light off fireworks in Alberta.