An out-of-control grass fire west of Hartell was quickly brought under control with help from area ranchers on Friday.
At about 2 p.m. on Aug. 12, fire crews were notified of the fire near Range Road 30, south of Highway 466 West, in Foothills County.
“Big credit goes to these farmers,” said an incident commander with the Black Diamond Fire Department who was on scene.
Witnesses began fighting the fire with a tractor and water truck, and members of the High River Fire Department were called in to provide additional support.
The fire grew to approximately six acres before being extinguished by about 3 p.m.
Crews remain on scene monitoring for hot spots and checking for embers.
A cause of the fire is not known at this time, but fire officials noted a transmission line was in the area.
Fire ban issued for Foothills County on Friday afternoon
The fire ban, issued at 4:30 p.m., applies to all open fires including burn barrels, campfires and exploding targets or fireworks in Foothills County. All open fires are to be extinguished and open burning permits cancelled.
Foothills County says the ban will not be lifted until all areas within the county receive substantial rainfall.
The order does not apply to in-home fireplaces, camp stoves, propane or natural gas barbecues, or propane fire pits and flames tables.
The order does not apply fires contained in industrial facilities or on approved industrial sites.
For more information visit www.foothillscountyab.ca.