Post-fire Hazards: Ash Pits, Weak Trees

Firefighters go through burnt Alberta forest. People are told that the fire situation will become more unstable this weekend. (Thanks, Alberta Wildfire!)

Many Albertans are going back home after evacuation from the wildfire. But the environment is not the same as before. The ground and trees are covered with black and grey soot. Officials suggest taking this situation seriously.

Bart Johnson, the deputy fire chief of operations for the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service, talked to CBC News. They talked about the risks that could come after a fire.

Drayton Valley posted a video about what to do and not to do in the burn zone. The video includes advice from local firefighter Cole Starling. Cole is the operations leader of the incident management team.

The answers are shorter now. They were made clearer by making them brief.

A: What's an ash pit? An ash pit is a collection area for ash and other debris. It's usually found under a furnace or stove. The ash pit protects the floor or woodwork from being damaged by hot embers. It's typically emptied out periodically to prevent buildup. Be careful when handling the ash; it may still be hot.

Johnson said that any holes or depressions that were already in the ground could be filled with ash during a fire. The intense heat of the flames would cause the trees, shrubs, and deadfall to burn and become ash. The ash would then collect in these low areas. As the fire burned underground, any burned tree roots or other materials would create empty spaces. These spaces would fill up with hot ash once the roots burned away.

A: Encounter an ash pit? Here's what you should do. First, stay away from it. Ash pits are dangerous. Don't touch anything inside. Second, call for help. Contact a professional to handle the situation. And lastly, be careful. Keep an eye out for ash pits in the future to avoid harm to yourself and others.

Johnson advises residents not to go to the black area of the fire. The ash pits may exist for days or weeks. They may not be visible to the eye. It is safer for residents not to walk around this area.

A: Ash pits can get quite deep.

The fire goes down to the roots through the peat moss. The moss doesn't usually burn and keeps the heat in. It depends on the tree's roots how deep the fire will go, but probably only two or three feet deep. It could still be dangerous if you're not careful.

A: Bad things can happen if someone steps in an ash pit.  Firstly, the ash pit is usually very hot because it's where the fire goes to die. Secondly, the ash pit can contain dangerous fumes like carbon monoxide. Lastly, if someone gets stuck in the ash pit, it may be difficult for them to get out without help.

The ash pit is full of hot ash, which can cause burns. It's like the white hot coals of a campfire that's burned down. It's the best spot for roasting marshmallows or hot dogs. The pit is about two or three feet deep.

Jennifer Stone wrote a blog about the Town of Drayton Valley. She discussed the town's community spirit. She highlighted the town's safety, health care options, schools, and recreational opportunities. She also mentioned the local businesses and job opportunities in the town. Overall, Jennifer Stone had positive things to say about the Town of Drayton Valley.

A: What can trees do that's dangerous? Q: Trees can fall down.  A: Trees are at risk of falling. Q: What kind of damage can falling trees cause?  A: Falling trees can cause damage to property and people. Q: What steps can be taken to prevent trees from falling?  A: Trees can be pruned or removed to prevent them from falling.

Johnson says that some trees, especially poplar ones, can be burnt up to three-quarters of the way up and in a three-foot space. This makes a narrow spot that weakens the tree. When any kind of wind comes by, the top of the tree can fall down.

A tree that's just 30 feet tall but narrow at the base can still be dangerous if it falls. The top part can cause a lot of damage.

Usually, trees like conifers have roots that spread horizontally on the ground. In this area, there is a lot of peat moss soil. When the trees burn, the roots become exposed, increasing the risk of them falling. This happens a lot around here.

A: When will it be okay for people to walk around their homes safely once more?

Johnson says ash pits and bigger logs can smolder for weeks. They tried to put out the hot spots and use drones to find them with thermal imaging. They'll keep doing this.