In the immortal words of renown science fiction series “The Hitchikers’ Guide to the Galaxy “Don’t Panic.”
The trouble with Twitter and social media is it is a medium for spreading half truths and speculation, which in turn triggers unnecessary panic. The big news now is fires happening west and south of Lethbridge.
L.A. Beat’s Books Beat editor Michelle Greysen took some pics of the fire just before dark.
As of 8:12 p.m., according to a City of Lethbridge tweet, the fire has been contained on the west side and crews remain on site to check for hot spots and Univeristy Drive has been re-opened.
There are several accurate sources for information the city of Lethbridge is updated regularly http://www.lethbridge.ca/NewsCentre/Pages/emergency-alert---fire-nov-2011.aspx as is the city of Lethbridge Twitter feed.
In the meantime, I’ve been glued to the Lounge 94.1 and Country 95.5 who have regular updates, while keeping the emergency frequencies http://www.radioreference.com/apps/audio/?action=wp&feedId=10209
Some general advice, stay off the roads and keep out of the way of the emergency personnel who are taking care of things.
Unless it is absolutely necessary stay off the roads.
While there is no official evacuation order for the city of Lethbridge as of 8 p.m., Nov. 27, there are evacuation alerts for Copperwood and Highlands which means residents should prepare, just in case. As there is no official evacuation order in the city so it is safe and recommended to stay in your homes unless emergency personnel knock on your door and tell you to evacuate. Though some people have left their homes.
An evacuation centre is being set up at the Fritz Sick Centre at 420, 11 Street South, just in case.
Here are the most recent updates from the city of Lethbridge site.
Nov. 28 9:45 a.m.: The Lethbridge Fire Department is working and monitoring hotspots today and there are extras fire crews working today to ensure residents remain safe. The Blood Reserve fire is out with resources monitoring that area as well.
Yesterday there was 100 % commitment of all resources from all fire stations within the City of Lethbridge.
25 people attended the Fritz Sick reception centre, which is now closed.
Residents are thanked for their cooperation throughout this event.
11:31 p.m.
As an precaution, RCMP are evacuating residents West of Mountain Meadows in the river bottom. Residents of that area are able to go to the Fritz Sick reception centre.
11:13 p.m.
The Fritz Sick reception centre will remain open for Lethbridge County residents who have been evacuated until further notice. County residents looking for more information can call 403-328-5525.
City of Lethbridge residents are able to remain in their homes or return home.
The Lethbridge Fire Department will continue to monitor hot spots.
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 in 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.
5:37 p.m.
The Lethbridge Fire Department is currently investigating and monitoring a West Lethbridge Fire. Residents are asked to stay away from the area and stay inside with their doors and windows closed.
The area is extremely dangerous. 
Please call 911 if you see fires anywhere in the City.
Residents of the County of Lethbridge (South of Coalhurst and West of Lethbridge) are being evacuated but Lethbridge residents are being asked to stay indoors.
The Fritz Sick Centre is now available for evacuated County residents.
The fire department is also on scene of a North side fire.
There is also a power outage affecting parts of the north side industrial park along 28th st from 5th ave north.
A power pole broke due to high winds.
— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor
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