Two teenage boys have been credited with stopping a small fire in Okotoks before it had the chance to become a fully involved grass fire.

At approximate 1:40 this afternoon, the Okotoks Fire department responded to call regarding a minor grass fire along a pathway near Woodhaven Dr.

Witnesses at the scene said if the two teenagers hadn't seen the fire and attempted to put it out, things could have been much worse.

Fire Chief Ken Thevenot, says the burn was sparked by a rogue cigarette butt that was not disposed of properly. 

This prompted reminders to be more considerate and careful.

"When you're discarding smoking material, you should really pay attention to ensuring it's been put out properly and discarded into a proper area, so that there's no chance of it starting a grass fire."

In this instance Thevenot says the cigarette butt was tossed into a pile of poplar seed fluff, which can catch fire very quickly, specially in windy conditions.

Witnesses applauded the immediacy of Okotoks Fire Services.

Thevenot adds they had the scene under control in less than ten minutes.

"Our crews got on scene and within 8 minutes had the small area under control."

The Okotoks Fire Chief says it's a community effort to prevent fires in general as he urges residents to be observant.

"We all need to work together on this." Thevenot adds "If you see individuals running away from an area where you notice, any smoke or flame from grass fires, try to pay attention to what they're wearing or what they look like."

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