Southern Alberta Grass Fires Brought Under Control

The towns of Milk River and Coalhurst were evacuated Monday evening, along with several neighborhoods on the west side of Lethbridge, as two massive grass fires, pushed by 50-60mph winds, burned thousands of acres.

The fire west of Lethbridge burned an estimated 4800 hectares (roughly 11,800 acres) before being brought under control, about 9 p.m. Monday evening. That fire has been blamed on a downed power line on the Blood Reserve.

The second fire reportely burned to within a couple of miles of Milk River. Officials are working this morning to determine the acreage burned and the cause of that fire. We hope to have some details later this afternoon.

For more coverage on the southern Alberta fires from CISA-TV and tha Canadian Press, click HERE.