The dangers of wildfire season will be here soon especially for our neighbors up north in Canada.
Local fire fighters in Millcreek said they learned a lot last year from the Canadian wildfires and are better equipped if we were to have a repeat.
It was a smoky start of summer 2023 as Erie was covered in particulates from the fires.
As our neighbors prepare for the potential of another round of flames, is there anything we should do to prepare as well?
Gerald Hickin, a firefighter and paramedic with the Millcreek Township Fire Department said, "There's always the potential, it's always there. One of the biggest things is how dry the season is going to get. One of the biggest things we tell people to prepare for things is like mind things, like your burn pits in your yard."
Millcreek does allow recreational burning, but there are rules that must be followed. Hickin said the soggy spring we've had could cut down on the chance of larger brush fires. "With the weather we have had, we have actually kind of been wet this year. So that helps keep the possibility of a larger fire down. We do want to be mindful, we're getting into the season where it's going to get warmer possibly get a lot drier so that could be a big risk", explained Hickin.
After enduring what we experienced last summer, firefighters at the West Ridge Fire Department said they're more prepared if we were to see any of the effects with Canadian wildfires in our region again.
Hickin said the best thing to do is follow what local law enforcement officials say. "Be mindful of what is recommended, in terms of sheltering at home, keeping your windows closed masking up when you're outside", said Hickin.
If the smoke returns, take proper precautions if you decide to leave your homes. "The particulates in the air are from smoke from burning things so recommending mask outside. We actually want to put more more heavy duty mask on just make sure that you're not breathing that stuff in", said Hickin.
For more information of burning ordinances in Millcreek Township, click here.