Lethbridge fire evacuations: Where to go

A major grassfire broke out Monday afternoon on the Blood Reserve west of Lethbridge, launching a firefight with resources being pulled in from surrounding areas.

As the fire continues to spread a number of evacuation orders are in place affecting the following communities:

Town of Coalhurst
Mountain Meadows
Sunset Acres
Town of Milk River

Lethbridge:
Bridgeview Campground
Westside Trailer Court

West Highlands- on standby
Indian Battle Heights- on standby

The Canadian Red Cross has opened reception centres to assist the thousands of people who have been forced from their homes, including the Enmax Centre at 2510 Scenic Drive, the Fritz Sick Memorial Gym located at 420 11 Street South, and the Picture Butte Community Centre located off of Main Street.

Those fleeing Milk River should head to the town of Raymond.

The city of Lethbridge is reminding residents preparing for an evacuation to take photos, important papers, ID, passports, pets and medications. Due to allergies, pets should be kept in vehicles with the windows rolled down, and not brought into evacuation centres.

Those affected by the fires can also go to lethbridge.ca or emergencyalert.alberta.ca for updates.