Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services have responded to a few recent fires still under investigation, including a weekend fire at the rear of Andrew Hilton Wine & Spirits and the Wooden Shoe European Food Store.
Chief Fire Marshal Troy Hicks says the number of fires and events investigated in the City of Lethbridge this year are not much different than previous years. “We have had, like unfortunately, the event of this weekend. It’s a well-known business and it’s been here for a long time, so more people see it. The numbers are about par for what we usually see this time of year.”
According to Hicks, 2025 ended on the plus side of 60 structure fires investigated in the City. “Right now, we’re in the low teens. Fires do happen, accidents happen and mistakes happen. Thank goodness there’s been no injuries. We’re about where we usually are.”
Hicks notes what leads to the extent of the damage is how a building is designed.
Was the building built with life safety systems? Is there a sprinkler system? Did the fire start on the exterior or interior?
“All that leads to mitigate the amount of fire damage we’ll have or depending on the age of the building and the design of the building could lead to a very quicker spread when the fire happens,” Hicks explains.
March is also a good time to remind everyone to change batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
“People should be testing their detectors once a month,” says Hicks.
When spring nears and the weather starts to warm up, residents begin to tidy their backyards and alleys.
“Don’t leave it in the alley. Don’t leave garbage bins in the open where someone could get to them. Sometimes these fires are opportunistic fires. We don’t know why people walk by and light a piece of paper and throw it inside or different things like that. Don’t leave your bins in the alley. You can pull them inside your yard and keep them out of sight and out of mind. We had a mattress fire about a week ago. If you’re moving, don’t leave a mattress, couch or chair in your alley. The risk is too high. It’s there and people have the opportunity, so they might do something. Keep your areas neat,” adds Hicks.
Fires do happen, Hicks says, but when there’s nothing in a yard or alley to burn, the fire is not going to happen. “By keeping yards clear and clean, it gets rid of some that fuel load, so the fire has nothing to consume and it’ll put itself out.”
Hicks says the City has also been talking to businesses over the last few years to remind business owners to keep their areas clear, clean and well-lit. “I see it all the time. Delivery and pallets or boxes sitting outside the door. Businesses need to get rid of their stuff.”
“It’s unfortunate, but if you need to have a garbage pick-up more often, secure your bins and keep your garbage and recycling bins locked up. It’s general housekeeping. Ensure you know delivery day is coming and have all the recycling broken down and take it to the recycling depot to get rid of it. You don’t need to leave that opportunity there,” Hicks notes.
For homes and businesses, Hicks recommends making sure backyards and alleys are also well-lit.
