Grassfires still a risk in Lethbridge and region despite recent rainfalls
It doesn't take long after heavy rainfall for the Lethbridge region to dry out.
A stretch of hot, dry days can easily raise the risk of grassfires.
"In southern Alberta, we have the high, dry winds and they dry out stuff real quick, even with this moisture that we just got," said Byron Fraser, Lethbridge County’s manager of fire services.
"You know, in a couple of days, it could be a whole different ball game again."
Grassfires in southern Alberta can cause significant damage.
Lethbridge County has already dealt with a few grassfires this year, some starting as early as April.
There are no fire bans in the city or county at the moment, but residents are asked to still use caution.
The county is urging residents to take proper precautions throughout the summer to keep the risk at a minimum.
"People need to really be aware of what they're doing with their fire and have what you can there to mitigate it but just use common sense and be smart," Fraser told CTV News.
Grassfires are also a concern within the city, especially at the river bottom due to the close proximity of trees and shrubs.
Lethbridge fire officials say it's a very popular area for residents and all it takes is a cigarette butt or an improperly watched fire to start a blaze.
"People like to enjoy the trails and, you know, some of them have cigarettes, which is totally fine but it's just the disposal of the cigarette butts that we're worried about," said Neil Jesse, fire prevention officer.
"We are also seeing the odd fire pit that's not in a registered fire pit that's down there, so we discourage that as well."
Grassfires are also a concern within the city, especially at the river bottom due to the close proximity of trees and shrubs.
When dry conditions hit, it's more than the river valley that's at risk.
"Anything that is dry can be a risk with people around it," said Jesse.
"A field sitting on its own has a very small risk but as soon as you add people into it, that's where the risk comes into effect."
There are no fire bans in the city or county at the moment, but residents are asked to still use caution.
To learn more about potential fire bans in the area, you can visit the City of Lethbridge and Lethbridge County websites.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadians feel grocery inflation getting worse, two in five boycotting Loblaw: poll
Almost two-thirds of Canadians feel that inflation at the grocery store is getting worse, a new poll suggests, even as food inflation has been steadily cooling.
Norway, Ireland and Spain say they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move
Norway, Ireland and Spain said on Wednesday they are recognizing a Palestinian state, in a historic but largely symbolic move that deepens Israel’s isolation more than seven months into its grinding war against Hamas in Gaza.
NEW How to remove ticks and what to know about these bloodsuckers
Ticks are parasitic bloodsuckers, capable of spreading deadly disease, and they’re becoming increasingly common. Here’s what you need to know about them.
opinion Joe Biden uses bully pulpit to bully Donald Trump on debates
Donald Trump had spent weeks needling U.S. President Joe Biden for his refusal to commit to a debate. But Washington political columnist Eric Ham describes how in one fell swoop, Biden ingeniously stole the issue from the Trump campaign and made it his own.
Barbie will make dolls to honour Venus Williams, Christine Sinclair and other athletes
Barbie dolls will honour Canadian soccer star Christine Sinclair and tennis champion Venus Williams, plus seven other athletes as part of a project announced by Mattel on Wednesday.
Ontario mother loses $2,500 to text scammer pretending to be daughter
An Ontario mother lost $2,500 to a scammer pretending to be her daughter asking for help in late April.
Montreal photographer captures dramatic Canada goose vs. fox fight on video
A Montreal photographer captured the moment a Canada goose defended itself from a fox at the Botanical Garden.
From AI running wild to collapsing ecosystems, government report outlines future disruptions
From artificial intelligence running wild to collapsing ecosystems, a new Canadian government report outlines 35 disruptions that could rattle the country in the near future.
opinion Tom Mulcair: With Trudeau spiralling, Mark Carney waits in the wings
In his latest column for CTVNews.ca, former NDP leader Tom Mulcair argues that if there's an unofficial frontrunner in the eventual race to replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, it has to be former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.