A grassfire to the west of the city of Lethbridge that forced road closures as well as evacuations of some westside neighbourhoods has been contained.
Following are updates from the City of Lethbridge website. For more information on the fire and possible further evacuations and road closures, follow this link.
Classes at the University of Lethbridge will run as scheduled on Monday. Further updates will be provided when available. You can also follow us on Twitter @ulethbridgenews
9:09 p.m.
Reception Centre made ready 'just in case' for west Lethbridge residents (Soccer Centre) is now being closed as fire is contained. Fritz Sick Centre remains open for County residents.
8:19 p.m.
The fire came across river before 3:30 p.m. today from the Westside Blood reserve area. The fire is contained and the City of Lethbridge is now containing hot spots. The City of Lethbridge is confident the fire is contained.
Westside residents have not been asked to evacuate. The City of Lethbridge is sending resources to blood reserve to work with their resources on the fire.
6:51 p.m.
Lethbridge Regional Police are advising the public that travel along westbound Whoop Up Drive as well as westbound and eastbound University Drive is restricted. Unless it is absolutely necessary residents are advised to stay off these roads and remain indoors. Motorists who must travel along these roadways should expect delays. In addition, Highway 3 to West Lethbridge is currently closed by the RCMP.
6:40 p.m.
Whoop-Up West Bound is restricted to residents needing to get into the area. West bound Highway 3 is closed. Residents can still drive East Bound.
6:16 p.m.
Residents of Indian Battle Heights and West Highlands are asked to prepare for possible evacuation. Residents are asked to go to family and friend's houses or to the Soccer Centre at 2501 28th Ave South) as a reception centre.
Cell phone use is intermittent and residents are asked to use land lines where possible. Residents SHOULD NOT call 911 to ask for evacuation updates, but save that line for emergency calls. Current updates can be found on Facebook or Twitter or on our website.