The provincial government is trying to protect the Bow Valley and Canmore areas from wildfires.
With increased wildfire activity in recent years, it is crucial that communities at risk are prepared, explained the province. The Community Fireguard Program is critical to these efforts.
"By removing trees surrounding vulnerable communities that can act as fuel in the event of fires, the program helps ensure that residents, homes, businesses and critical infrastructure are better protected from the devastating effects of wildfires."
Construction of the new Bow Valley Community Fireguard began in late fall 2024, following the allocation of $750,000 in provincial funding through the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta. The project is a collaborative effort involving the Town of Canmore, the Municipal District of Bighorn, and the Kananaskis Improvement District, with additional support from the Alberta government.
"Alberta faced significant wildfire seasons over the last two years. The reality is that decades of fire suppression left our forests aging and vulnerable. By working together with our at-risk communities, we are taking steps to increase wildfire resilience across Alberta,” shared Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks.
The province believes ongoing work on the fireguard, which includes a combination of mechanical tree removal and forest thinning, will significantly reduce the potential for a wildfire for years to come.
"Additional work is required to complete the entire fireguard over the next three to five years and planning is underway for the next funding approval and stage of construction."
The Community Fireguard Program, launched in 2023, aims to improve wildfire preparedness for communities vulnerable to wildfire threats.
Today, it was announced that Alberta’s wildland firefighters are on their way to assist in California with their wildfires.
"Alberta’s government is sending two fully equipped wildfire crews, including 40 wildland firefighters and two agency representatives. The teams departed Edmonton on Monday, Jan. 13 and are expected to arrive in California within the next few days," stated the provincial government.
The province also mentioned during Alberta’s record-breaking wildfire season in 2023, 115 firefighters and support staff from California came to help Alberta’s wildfire response.
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