Arson charges have been laid following a large grass fire in Lethbridge on Jan. 13, 2026. (Image Credit: Jim Schenk on Facebook)

By David Opinko

Arson charges laid in Lethbridge grass fire

Jan 14, 2026 | 3:32 PM

The Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) has charged a woman in connection with a large grass fire.

At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, emergency crews were called to a fire between the 1200 and 1600 blocks of Scenic Drive South near Mountain View Cemetery.

Crews from five stations responded and extinguished the blaze.

Several homes and buildings in the Scenic Heights apartment complex were evacuated as a precaution, but nobody was hurt. There were also no damages to gravestones in the cemetery, and firefighters remained on scene to ensure there were no flare-ups.

Police were informed of a suspicious woman running from the fire. She was quickly located near the cemetery fence line and was taken into custody without incident.

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Witnesses told LPS that she was seen near the fire and fled as it spread rapidly due to the wind.

Personal property belonging to the suspect was seized, along with a lighter.

Audrey Rae Small Legs, 44, of Lethbridge, is charged with three counts of arson – disregard for human life, and failing to comply with the conditions of a probation order.

She has been remanded into custody and is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 16.

READ MORE: Fire reported along Scenic Drive South in Lethbridge