Officials warn of high wildfire risk in southern Alberta – Lethbridge [Video]

Stefan Keenzle, a retired University of Lethbridge professor in the department of Geography and Environment, says conditions are primed for wildfires.

“It’s a drier soil, higher temperature, lower humidity — these are all things that make wildfire risks much higher,” Keenzle explained.

Only days into the wildfire season and crews have already helped battle blazes.

Troy Hicks, the Chief Fire Marshall with the Lethbridge Fire Department, looks to the hot dry summer and knows it will be busy for the Lethbridge crew.

“It’s been a very busy year. We’ve already been busy with grass fires. This past weekend we had numerous ones around the outskirts of town. It’s only a matter of time before it come into town.”

Lethbridge County just days ago implemented a fire advisory for the region. As Heath Wright, the Emergency Services Manager of Lethbridge County explains, it’s a matter of awareness.

“We would like the public to be aware that we’re …