(Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNewsToday )

By Tiffany Goodwein

Update: FLC, surrounding businesses evacuated, police asking public to avoid area

Jun 26, 2021 | 3:44 PM

Update (5:25 p.m.) The city’s director of emergency management confirms 60 residents were asked to evacuate as a precaution but they are now allowed back into their homes.

The residents were residing west of 14 street NW.

The fire near 23 St NW is now under control, according to Merrick Brown, the city’s director of emergency management. But crews are continuing to extinguish hot spots along 23 St NW, Division Avenue and Box Springs Road.

The Family Leisure Centre remains closed, according to officials. People with belongings at the facility can pick them up in the morning.

More to come.

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Update: The Medicine Hat Police service is pleading with the public to please avoid the area near where the fire is taking place. Police say individuals stopping to take a look at the fire is causing traffic control issues and emergency crews need enough space to work effectively.

This afternoon, the Medicine Hat Police evacuated the Family Leisure Centre, the Shoppers Drug Mart and surrounding businesses as a precaution.

Police said homes along Ireland Court, Crockford Crescent, Mckenzie Cres, Muir Cres and 14 Street NW to Division Avenue are on standby and have been told to prepare for possible evacuation.

More to come.

MEDICINE HAT, AB- The Medicine Hat Fire Service is currently battling a large grass fire
near CF Industries .

Large plumes of smoke can be seen throughout the city.

The public is asked to avoid the area. Police are on scene doing traffic control.

More information will be released soon, according to the Medicine Hat Fire Service.