Dry conditions spark concerns about wildfires in southern Alberta

A lack of precipitation in southern Alberta is prompting growing concerns about the danger of wildfires.

Effective immediately, the city of Lethbridge has put a fire ban in place in the Old Man River valley, inside the city of Lethbridge.

Citing concerns about warm temperatures, a lack of moisture and low humidity, the city announced Tuesday that there’s a ban on all open fires.

Residents are being asked to be extra careful, particularly when disposing of smoking materials that can easily ignite dry vegetation.

A lack of precipitation in the Calgary area is also increasing the fire danger.

On Tuesday, Calgary fire crews were forced to scramble to put out a large grass fire near the intersection of Deerfoot Trail and Memorial Drive southeast.

Smoke from the fire created a driving haz