The Okotoks Fire Department is constantly being kept on their toes.

Ken Thevenot, Okotoks Fire Chief, says the department responded to 20 calls in the past week.

"Out of those numbers we had seven alarm system activations, eight medical responses we helped out with, one large grass fire west of Longview that was a mutual aid response where we helped out the MD of Foothills, we also had one grass fire in our area, and we attended three motor vehicle accidents so that took up our week."

Thevenot is reminding residents to be considerate of their neighbours as they start to use backyard fire pits.

"We are getting into some warmer weather so be considerate and ensure that the winds aren't up and blowing the smoke into your neighbours yard, make sure the winds are nice and calm for when you want to use it for that evening, and burn nice seasoned and dried wood."

Anyone with questions about their backyard fire pits is encouraged to call the Okotoks Fire Department at (403) 938-4066.

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