Lethbridge Fire Station 1. Firefighters responded to a grass fire early Tuesday morning. (Image Credit: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Coulee grass fire called ‘major emergency,’ prompts fire ban

Jan 13, 2026 | 10:31 AM

The City of Lethbridge has issued a fire ban after a small spark turned into something much bigger.

Just before 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services (LFES) was called to a grass fire in the River Valley near Scenic Drive and 10 Avenue South.

Crews from four stations were dispatched and found a fire burning uphill through dry grass and vegetation.

Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control and prevent it from reaching the nearby homes.

No injuries were reported, and no structures were damaged.

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The City says warmer temperatures, strong winds and low humidity have created a high fire risk.

“These conditions create a high risk for fast-moving and uncontrolled fires. Even a small spark can spread quickly in dry grass and brush,” reads a news release from the City of Lethbridge.

As a result, a fire ban has been enacted for all open fires in the Lethbridge River Valley. It is in effect immediately and until further notice.

For more information on fire bans, visit the City’s website Lethbridge.ca/fireban.

You can also see an interactive map showing all active fire restrictions in the province at AlbertaFireBans.ca