Firefighters respond to a wildfire in the Peace River area on April 23, 2024. (Photo: Peace Regional RCMP)

By David Opinko

Province adding funds for new firefighting equipment

Apr 29, 2024 | 9:35 AM

The Government of Alberta is taking steps to better prepare for and respond to wildfires.

The province will purchase two additional air tanker groups and two new night vision-equipped helicopters.

These types of fire fighting helicopters were piloted during the 2023 fire season, and officials say it allowed for improved suppression efforts around the clock.

The government also announced that it will be increasing funding under the Community Fireguard Program by $14 million to $19 million.

The program is administered by the Forest Resources Improvement Association of Alberta, which works to clear the area near or surrounding a community, breaking the path of a wildfire by cutting it off from fuel sources that would allow it to spread.

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The Association has shown “high interest” in the program, signalling that more communities are looking to proactively prepare for the impacts of wildfires.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen says, “I am encouraged by the increased interest in both the FireSmart and Fireguard Programs this year. Albertans and their communities are wanting to better prepare themselves against the dangers of wildfire.”

The province is encouraging all Albertans to download the apps for Alberta Wildfire and Alberta Fire Bans, and to check the Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard.

• Alberta Wildfire Status Dashboard
• Download the Alberta Wildfire Status App
• Download the Alberta Fire Bans App
• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App