It has already singed more than 12,000 acres of land, but a fast-moving grassfire that started early Monday afternoon continues to rage out-of-control.
The blaze started on the Blood Reserve east of highway 509 near Lethbridge and quickly spread, sending thick black smoke into the air before jumping the river and forcing the evacuation of a number of communities.
A local state of emergency was declared for the city and county of Lethbridge.
Residents living in Milk River, Coalhurst, Sunset Acres and Mountain Meadows were forced to flee, along with some Lethbridge residents from the city’s west side. The Bridge View campground and Westside trailer court were evacuated, along with those living between Walsh Drive and Highway 3. A number of other Lethbridge communities were on standby.
Fire crews from surrounding areas jumped into action, battling the blaze from the ground and the air, but high winds hampered their efforts despite hours of work.
“We have called in mutual aid resources. We have all of our available in-city resources and we have called back off-duty firefighters,” said Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Johnson. “So we’re putting all the resources we can at this fire.”
Water bombers were brought in Monday evening to help in the firefight. The province has since dispatched Sustainable Resource Development firefighters who are specially trained to deal with these types of fires.
The fire on the Blood Reserve was contained around 6:30 p.m., but officials say hot spots will likely continue burning for days.
An early investigation found that the blaze started on the northwest portion of the Blood Reserve and was likely caused by a downed electrical wire on a line running through part of the community.
No homes were destroyed but many residents won’t be able to return home soon because of smoke damage and power outages.
People were also urged to stay away from the area so emergency crews could access the scene.
“[Those people] who go out and look at fires cause danger to everyone,” said Lethbridge Mayor Rajko Dodic. “If they cut off access it is a danger to people who might be potentially affected by the fire.”
Police shut down a number of roads to prevent motorists from driving toward the fire, and RCMP shut down Highway 3 between Lethbridge and Coalhurst.
It’s estimated that 2,000-3,000 people were displaced by the fire, and took shelter at centres in Lethbridge and Picture Butte. The Red Cross has stepped in to provide food, hygiene kits and water.
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