Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

Wildfires

Budget 2024 provides funds for wildfire prevention

Mar 1, 2024 | 2:31 PM

The provincial budget is allocating more funds to wildfire prevention efforts across Alberta.

$151 million over the next three years will be used to continue prioritizing “new technologies and tactics that will enhance front-line response and suppression efforts,” according to the province.

Through this funding, Albertans will be able to see an immediate impact, as they plan on adding two additional long-term helicopter contracts, two new air tanker contracts, drones for aerial wildfire surveillance and the renewal of 130 helicopter contracts by April 1.

Funding from Budget 2024 will also be used to increase firefighting capabilities, through technologies like night vision goggles, Artificial intelligence, (AI) and drones.

In a release, Minster of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen, said through “emerging technologies” the province is “well prepared for the 2024 wildfire season.”

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The province also says it is exploring more options to expand the air tanker fleet and pilot more emerging firefighting technologies.

As of February 26, the fire advisory in the Grande Priaire Forest Area has been lifted, with the current wildfire danger level sitting at low, thanks to the snow and forecasted precipitation.