By James Wood

Grass fire sparked by electrical short

Aug 11, 2017 | 3:52 PM

Drivers on the Trans-Canada Highway had a firsthand look at how dry conditions are in Medicine Hat on Friday afternoon.

Around 1:00 p.m., a grass fire sprang up on the north shore of the South Saskatchewan River, just off the westbound lanes of the highway river crossing.

According to Medicine Hat Fire Department deputy chief Lance Purcell, the blaze was sparked by a short in the high voltage power lines crossing the river towards the municipal power plant.

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Purcell said that three firetrucks responded to the scene, out from Station 1 and 3. Eight firefighters worked to put out the blaze, and quickly extinguished the flames, which were burning towards the river and towards the highway.

Purcell also indicated it was possible the blaze may have resulted in some power bumps close to the site affected.

There were no damages from the fire, beyond burnt grass and brush.