Alberta is enhancing wildfire safety with a new fireguard in Canmore, protecting communities from potential wildfires.
Canmore: Alberta is stepping up its wildfire protection game. With wildfires still fresh in everyone’s minds, the province is working hard to keep communities safe. The Community Fireguard Program is a big part of this effort.
They’re focusing on areas like Canmore and the Bow Valley. By clearing trees that could fuel wildfires, they’re making sure homes and businesses are better protected. It’s all about keeping people safe.
Minister Todd Loewen mentioned that Alberta has faced tough wildfire seasons recently. He pointed out that years of fire suppression have left forests vulnerable. So, the province is teaming up with local communities to boost wildfire resilience.
Construction on the Bow Valley Community Fireguard kicked off in late 2024, thanks to $750,000 in funding. The Town of Canmore and other local partners are all in on this project.
They’ll be working on this fireguard for the next few years, using a mix of tree removal and thinning. The goal is to have it all wrapped up in three to five years, with more planning already in the works.
As they gear up for the 2025 wildfire season, Alberta is also looking at other fireguard projects in places like Whitecourt and Hinton. Plus, they’re cleaning up debris from previous fireguard work in Swan Hills.
Fireguards have already been built in several areas, including Buck Creek and Grande Prairie. Alberta is also on the hunt for more wildland firefighters, who will receive specialized training.
To help local communities, the province has set up agreements for sharing firefighting resources. They’re also continuing the FireSmart program to make properties more fire-resistant.
Additionally, they’re implementing prescribed burns and selective harvesting to reduce wildfire risks. Efforts to manage the mountain pine beetle population are also ongoing.
The Community Fireguard Program started in 2023, with significant funding to enhance wildfire preparedness. The Jasper wildfire last year was a major wake-up call, causing massive damage and forcing evacuations.
Experts say it could take over a century for the burned areas to fully recover. Alberta is taking these steps to ensure communities are better prepared for whatever comes next.
