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
Most wanted fugitive in Canada arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
The most wanted fugitive in Canada was arrested in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Tuesday night.
Poilievre unrepentant over calling Trudeau 'wacko' as his MPs say Speaker should resign
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says he does not regret calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'wacko,' and now his MPs are renewing calls for the House of Commons Speaker to resign, this time over ordering the Official Opposition leader to leave the chamber.
How can I tell if I have norovirus? Expert explains symptoms
The highly contagious norovirus is spreading across Canada, with some symptoms overlapping with other viruses. CTVNews.ca spoke with a health expert to find out how you can tell you have norovirus, the most common form of stomach flu, and what to do if you have it.
Doctors dealing with at least 160 Canadians suffering eye damage possibly linked to looking at the eclipse
Nearly a month after the total solar eclipse, at least 160 cases of eye damage have been reported across the country.
Ontario's police watchdog continues probe of high-speed pursuit involving fatal crash
The investigation continues into a collision that killed two grandparents and their infant grandchild during a high-speed police chase on the wrong way of Highway 401 east of Toronto.
Stranded cruise passengers in Spain race to catch up with their ship
A month after eight Norwegian Cruise Line passengers were stranded in Africa when their ship left without them because they were late getting back, a U.S. couple – ages 84 and 81 – were also left behind by the cruise line in Spain.
Blair says he couldn't sell cabinet on meeting 'magical threshold' of NATO target
Defence Minister Bill Blair says he couldn't convince the Liberal cabinet that Canada's government needed to meet NATO's spending target in its recent defence policy update.
BREAKING London Drugs stores remain closed for 4th straight day after 'cybersecurity incident'
Dozens of London Drugs stores in Western Canada remained closed for the fourth straight day following a "cybersecurity incident."
No criminal charges after 4 newborn bodies found in Boston freezer
A prosecutor in Massachusetts won't seek criminal charges against anyone, two years after four newborns were found in a freezer in a South Boston apartment.