Farming Fire Safety

Special Areas Board Fire Services often sees an increase in bale stack fires during runs of hot, hot, hot weather!  Here’s how you can reduce your risks and keep that valuable resource safe this season:

🌞   Check your bale stacks during hot weather (25+) to make sure they are not creating a fire hazard on your farm.  Bale stacks can sometimes accumulate significant amounts of moisture -especially if they are stacked tightly.  High temperatures and moisture levels can result in spontaneous combustion of stored feed, especially green or hotter feed.

🌡   Here’s a tip from our SAB Fire Chief – make sure you check bale temperatures in the mornings when ambient temperatures are lower.  You can use a heat gun, bale probe, or any other tool that gives you a temperature reading.  Make sure you check bales in the inside of your stacks – these ones are likely to heat up the most.

🚜   If you find a hot bale, make sure you open your bale stack up and remove any hot or heating bales. Move them to a location with minimal vegetation and away from any other combustibles or structures.  If you need assistance controlling any fire hazards, please contact your local fire department or Special Areas Fire Services.

🧯   Split any large feed stacks into smaller groupings in multiple locations.  This will help reduce your risk if any bales do heat up or create a fire hazard.  Storing feed so any accumulated moisture can evaporate out will also reduce risk of bales heating up.
 

Noxious & invasive weed: Common Baby’s Breathe

Noxious & invasive weed: Common Baby’s Breathe (Gypsophila paniculata)

DO NOT HAY THIS PLANT!  IF YOU SEE THIS SPECIES IN DITCHES OR HAY FIELDS, GO AROUND!!!!

Most people are familiar with this ornamental plant, particularly in flower arrangements.  What most people don’t know is that in 2010 it was listed as a NOXIOUS Weed in the Weed Control Act.  This means it MUST BE CONTROLLED.

This perennial reproduces by seed only (1000’s per plant) but spreads easily through its tumbleweed nature. Commonly found in hay fields surrounding old homesteads and cemeteries, this noxious weed is a moisture thief with its enormous tap root often extending 4 metres.  It competes very well against hay crops and can rob crops of precious moisture, particularly in drought years.

The first step in battling Baby’s Breathe is to prevent seed set.  Mowing prior to seed set (BEFORE you see those white flowers), combined with a selective herbicide will be your best chance at controlling the population long term.  Also, physically damaging the root (by chopping), down to at least 3 inches is a good idea.  Pulling the entire root is near impossible because it can be up to 4 metres deep!  Because of this deep taproot, fall is an excellent time to apply herbicide to translocate deep into the root system.  You must be very diligent not to let the plant flower before then though!  This weed is common all over the Special Areas, so scout your hay fields often and carefully.

For more information on Baby’s Breathe, go to Alberta Invasive Species Council Fact Sheet on Baby’s Breath.
 

ATB hours changing

As of Tuesday, August 1, 2023, ATB services in the Empress Village Office will be available Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm, with closure over the noon hour.
 
 
 

Public Engagement Meeting

Wednesday, August 2, 2023 @ 6:30 pm Public Engagement Meeting Empress Community Hall 314 Centre Street Public Invited to have an engagement session with Council at the Community Hall Wednesday August 2nd @ 6.30pm and discuss items that will determine the strategic direction of the Village over the next few years. The session will be a direct discussion or question and answer session with direct questions and suggestions to Council formulating key initiatives tying in with tangible projects.

iPad Course

Thursday, August 3, 2023 @ 4:00 pm iPad Course Library at the Empress Village Office Building 6 3 Avenue West

July Council Meeting

Wednesday, July 26, 2023 @ 6:30 pm Regular Council Meeting Empress Village Office Building 6 3 Avenue West

Cooling Centre @ Friendship Centre

Since the forecast is for hot weather next week, the Empress Friendship Centre (324 Centre Street) will open as a cooling center on Monday (24th), Tuesday (25th) and Wednesday (26th) for anyone who wishes to enjoy the AC and a beverage, between 1pm and 3pm each day.  Everyone is welcome.

Backyard Fire Safety

Having a backyard fire?  Want to make sure its safe?

Make sure you are prepared
🔥Check for fire restrictions first
🔥Find an area that is clear of combustible materials
🔥Make sure its far enough away from trees, building, etc.
🔥Use a fire screen if you have one
🔥Do not leave your fire unattended
🔥Have a water source near by

To learn more about backyard and campfire safety, visit: Campfire Safety | Smokey Bear
 

Water Restrictions rescinded

Our water restrictions have been rescinded, but of course, please be responsible with your watering!
 

Hydrant flushing and exercising

All residents of Empress: the Public Works advise that hydrants are being serviced and there may be short intervals of low water pressure and also visible water running in the streets. This is routine maintenance and will be completed by the start of this weekend. Operations, Village of Empress