With dry conditions on the horizon, the Town of Cochrane is ramping up wildfire prevention efforts through the next phase of its FireSmart Program, aimed at protecting residents, homes, and natural areas from increasing wildfire risks.
Building on the momentum from Emergency Preparedness Week, the Town has now launched phase two of its wildfire mitigation strategy. Crews will carry out targeted fuel management and risk reduction work in several high-priority neighbourhoods, including Bow Ridge, Crawford Ranch, Riviera, and the Lofts on the Bow.
Additional work is planned for Cochrane Heights, particularly in the area above the Cochrane Ranche, where special care will be taken to preserve the Grandfather Tree, a treasured community landmark that will remain protected and fire-resilient.
“Every action we take today builds a stronger, safer tomorrow,” said Cochrane Fire Chief Shawn Polley in a news release. “This is about more than just clearing brush, it’s about standing together as a community and taking meaningful steps to protect what matters most.”
Launched in February, the FireSmart Program has already made significant progress. Based on FireSmart Alberta’s seven guiding principles, the initiative encourages residents to take simple but effective steps like removing dry debris, managing overgrown vegetation, and using fire-resistant materials to lower their wildfire risk.
“As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense, we need to stay ahead of the risk,” Polley added. “FireSmart gives us the tools and the knowledge to do that, but it also relies on the commitment of our whole community.”
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The Town is encouraging residents to get involved by exploring its interactive FireSmart zone map and accessing homeowner resources at www.cochrane.ca/firesmart.
For more information, residents can also contact Cochrane Fire Services at 403-851-2540.