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
She developed a passion for genealogy while finding her roots. Now she helps others find their own
Lauren Robilliard always knew she was adopted. As the B.C. native grew older, she developed a passion for genealogy, tracing her roots and paving the way for a career to help others find their own.
Papua New Guinea says landslide buried more than 2,000 people
A Papua New Guinea government official has told the United Nations more than 2,000 people were believed to have been buried alive by Friday's landslide and has formally asked for international help.
A cross-country look at beer and wine in convenience stores
By Labour Day weekend, Ontarians of legal drinking age could snag a six-pack at their local convenience store on the way to the cottage. But what are alcohol sales like across the country? Here's what we know.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
Severe thunderstorms set to hit some areas of Canada. Here's where
Depending on where you live, you can expect to get a mixed bag of weather this week, as local forecasts predict heavy rain, strong wind and severe thunderstorms across Canada.
'We were vetted': Sex-ed organization 'disappointed' over Higgs' comments
The head of a Quebec-based sexual and reproductive health organization says she's disappointed New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has deemed presentations she did in the province last week inappropriate.
Richard M. Sherman, who wrote songs for 'Mary Poppins' and 'It's a Small World,' dies at 95
Richard M. Sherman, who helped write the songs for 'Mary Poppins,' 'The Jungle Book' and 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' — as well as the most-played tune on Earth, 'It's a Small World (After All)' — died at 95.
Cyclone floods coastal villages, blows away thatched roofs and cuts power in Bangladesh and India
A cyclone flooded coastal villages, blew away thatched roofs and left hundreds of thousands of people without power Monday in southern Bangladesh and eastern India. At least seven deaths were reported.