The Alberta government has released a new wildfire mitigation strategy aimed at reducing wildfire risk and protecting communities, forests and critical infrastructure across the province.
The Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy outlines measures to improve preparedness and strengthen prevention efforts as wildfire seasons become more frequent and severe.
Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen said the strategy is intended to help communities better prepare for wildfire and reduce potential damage.
“Mitigating the negative impacts of wildfires on our communities, forests and infrastructure is a key priority for Alberta’s government. Through the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, we will strengthen public safety and help people living in Alberta become better informed and prepared for wildfire. Through education, risk reduction and partnerships, this strategy helps us bring all our available tools to bear to create a more wildfire resilient Alberta.”
The strategy outlines six focus areas: improving knowledge of wildfire risks, strengthening community and Indigenous partnerships, reviewing legislation and policy, expanding the use of technology and innovation, integrating wildfire mitigation into landscape planning and prioritizing hazardous fuels management.
The government said wildfire mitigation requires collaboration with municipalities, Indigenous communities, industry, researchers and non-governmental organizations; with utilities in high-risk areas also expressing support for the strategy.
The province said it has expanded community Fireguard programs, increased adoption of FireSmart practices and deployed new technologies in recent years to help detect and respond to wildfire threats.
Hannah Swift, director of prevention and mitigation with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, said aligning provincial action with national mitigation efforts can strengthen community resilience.
“Alberta’s Wildfire Mitigation Strategy is a meaningful step in Canada’s collective effort to reduce risk from wildland fire. By aligning provincial action with the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy, Alberta is advancing a whole-of-society approach that strengthens community resilience and prioritizes proactive, risk-based mitigation to protect people and landscapes.”
The Alberta government said the strategy is intended to guide mitigation efforts in the years ahead as the province prepares for future wildfire seasons.
