A large plume of smoke billowed into the sky over parts of Calgary early Thursday morning as firefighters scrambled to contain a large grass fire just north of the Calgary Zoo. The Calgary Fire Department received multiple calls about the fire made to 911 around 8 a.m. on April 17, 2025. The blaze burned a significant area of dry grass near the entrances to the Calgary Zoo and Spark Science Centre parking lots, close to the Tom Campbell off-leash dog park.
Motorists along Deerfoot Trail could see smoke and flames during the busy morning rush hour, prompting Calgary police officers to shut down roads in the area. As the fire raged, the Calgary Zoo issued a statement on social media, expressing gratitude for the quick response of firefighters and assuring the public that they were “closely monitoring the animals.”
Firefighters were able to get the fire under control just before 9 a.m., thanks to their swift actions and coordination. Investigators later determined that the fire started in a small encampment when flames from an outdoor fire ignited the dry grass, and the wind caused it to spread rapidly.
Fortunately, only one person was assessed by paramedics, and it was reported that only their socks were burned. Carol Henke, a public information officer for the Calgary Fire Department, emphasized that the fire serves as a reminder of the dangerous conditions that currently exist, as the grass has not yet greened up.
While there are no fire bans or advisories in place for Calgary at this time, it is worth noting that earlier in the week, both Rocky View County and Vulcan County had placed restrictions on the use of outdoor fires. Details on all the fire bans and advisories in place across Alberta can be found online at albertafirebans.ca.
The Calgary Fire Department is offering warnings following this incident and another grass fire that occurred on the same day. The department has urged residents to exercise caution with outdoor fires, especially as dry conditions persist.
This incident highlights the critical importance of fire safety, particularly in areas where dry grass is prevalent. As the weather warms up and outdoor activities increase, the risk of grass fires can escalate quickly, posing threats not only to property but also to wildlife and people in the vicinity.
As the fire department continues to monitor conditions, residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately. The quick response of the Calgary Fire Department in this instance likely prevented a more severe disaster.
In light of the recent events, community leaders are discussing potential measures to enhance fire prevention strategies in Calgary and surrounding areas. As the city gears up for summer, ensuring the safety of both residents and wildlife will be paramount.
Firefighters and city officials are also expected to engage in community outreach to educate the public about fire safety practices, especially regarding outdoor fires. With the fire season approaching, awareness and preparedness will be crucial in mitigating risks associated with grass fires.
In conclusion, while the quick actions of firefighters have contained the fire near the Calgary Zoo, it serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by dry conditions and outdoor fires. As the community reflects on this incident, the focus will remain on ensuring safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
