Photo by Chris Schwarz/Government of Alberta.
The provincial government is allocating $900,000 over three years to the Alberta fire weather network for equipment upgrades, to predict conditions and detect fires earlier.
The improvements will ensure that Alberta Wildfire teams are equipped with the tools they need to respond to wildfire risks quickly and effectively, a Government of Alberta news release said.
“Clearwater County is pleased by the province’s investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, which directly benefits our region. With 85 per cent of our county within the Forest Protection Area, real-time data is crucial for reducing wildfire risk,” said Michelle Swanson, Reeve, Clearwater County. “Our fire services team already collaborates closely with Alberta Wildfire, using its expertise to make informed decisions, such as pre-positioning resources for structure protection. The more data we receive, the better prepared we are to respond quickly and efficiently together, ensuring stronger protection for our residents and first responders, and the landscapes we call home.”
Alberta’s fire weather network includes 150 strategically placed weather stations that collect information on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind conditions, and moisture levels.
The real-time data helps Alberta Wildfire stay one step ahead of potential threats, guiding response teams and ensuring resources are deployed to where they’re needed most.
New weather station locations will be determined in the near future, as Alberta Wildfire teams work to identify areas lacking weather monitoring coverage.
Related stories:
- Alberta preparing for 2025 wildfire season
- Clearwater County receives funding boost for wildfire mitigation
Improved monitoring is especially important during the spring thaw when melting snow can lead to drier conditions and increase wildfire risk.
New sensors will track snowfall accumulation throughout the winter, providing Alberta Wildfire with valuable insights into how dry conditions might be as the season begins.
The upgrades are designed to support efficient resource planning, ensuring firefighting efforts are deployed effectively from the outset of the wildfire season.
“Our government is continuing to make strategic investments to enhance our wildfire-fighting capabilities,” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “By better predicting how fire risks evolve throughout the season, we’re not only helping Alberta Wildfire teams respond more effectively – we’re also helping communities reduce their exposure to wildfires. This technology is vital to keeping our firefighters safe, and to helping protect lives and livelihoods across the province.”
Alberta’s wildfire season runs from March 1 to Oct. 31.
Budget 2025 allocates $10.8 million in FireSmart programming, ensuring Albertans have access to education and resources that enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness, and mitigation efforts.
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