Wind-whipped grass fire forces immediate evacuation of southern Alberta town
Posted Sep 10, 2012 5:09 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A rapidly moving grass fire in southern Alberta has prompted officials to order everyone in a town southeast of Calgary to evacuate.
An Alberta Emergency Alert message has instructed everyone in Coalhurst, a town of more than 2,000 people, to leave immediately.
The blaze began earlier this afternoon on the Blood Reserve and has closed Highway 3, a major roadway in the region.
Officials say the flames are being whipped by winds gusting between 60 and 80 kilometres an hour and have filled the skies of nearby Lethbridge with thick black smoke.
Firefighters in Lethbridge are keeping a close eye on the city’s west side and have closed at least two roads.
The Canadian Red Cross has opened three reception centres to assist the thousands of people who have been evacuated.
Fritz Sick Memorial Gym, 420 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge Enmax, 2510 Scenic Drive and the Picture Butte Community Center located Right of Main Street.
