📹 Grass Fire Threatens Homes in SE Hill

A Medicine Hat firefighter tackles a Southeast Hill neighbourhood fire Monday afternoon, one of at least two reported. (Photo Alex McCuaig)

At least two fires broke out Monday afternoon in the Southeast Hill neighbourhood, threatening nearby homes.

The biggest of two fires which broke out around 3:30 Monday afternoon brushed up against the home of Dr. Fred Rinaldi as it was blown by a southern wind from the bottom of coulee off Spencer Street up towards 12th Street.

A second fire broke out on 11th Street near the intersection of Fifth Avenue as embers and smoke descended on much of the neighbourhood.

Police were at the scene of second fire with neighbours speculating the embers from the first fire appeared to spark the second.

Witnesses say the homeowner managed to keep that fire at bay until city firefighters arrived.

Multiple MHFD units descend on the coulee grass fire which burned through thick brush while protecting homes along the 500 Block of 11th Street.

Fire crews continue to be at the scene as of the dinner hour Monday.

This incident is the latest string of fires in the city and region over the past week with dry conditions and little humidity continuing to drive up fire risks in southeastern Alberta.