File photo of smoke seen from the Drayton Valley wildfire on Thursday, May 4, 2023. (Photo: Mike Modney)

By Joel Mendelson

Provincial government taking action to prevent wildfires

Dec 7, 2023 | 11:55 AM

EDMONTON, AB – The Government of Alberta is investing $5 million into the Community Fireguard Program.

The government is actively pursuing opportunities to increase wildfire preparedness after the blazes seen this past summer.

READ MORE: Over two million hectares of land burned during 2023 wildfire season in Alberta

The province is helping at-risk communities with the costs associated with building fireguards. A fireguard is an area near communities where vegetation has been removed. This breaks the fire’s path and cuts it off from its fuel source. A fireguard can also be used as grazing land for livestock, which keeps the breaks from becoming overgrown with vegetation.

The Community Fireguard Program aims to lessen the repercussions of wildfires and foster wildfire resilience throughout the province. It is administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

16h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks said, “Enhancing community resilience to wildfire remains a priority for Alberta’s government. I’m very excited at the opportunity to work and contribute to enhanced wildfire resilience, prevention and mitigation efforts throughout our province.”

The Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta’s Community Fireguard Program is being offered along with existing initiatives and FireSmart programs. Initial funding will be distributed based on community risk level and project readiness.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

—

If you have a news tip, question or concern, please email Lethbridge.newsroom@Pattisonmedia.com.