Province reports crews and rain contribute to successful wildfire season

“This was a different kind of season than we’ve seen in recent years, and we’re grateful for that,” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “But wildfire doesn’t keep a calendar. While the rainfall helped, we are very proud of the work our wildfire teams have done on initial attack, working to get fires under control before they become a threat to communities.”

Since Jan. 1, Alberta Wildfire responded to 785 wildfires in Alberta that burned just under 18,000 hectares, compared with a five-year average of 996 wildfires, burning more than 660,000 hectares.

For the first time in 40 years, during a brief period in mid-August, Alberta’s wildfire map showed no active wildfires.

“Wildfire season asks a lot of everyone involved, and protecting communities takes a real team effort,” said Guy Parlette, chief operating officer, Fire and Flood Emergency Services. “Our crews move large volumes of water over long distances and tough terrain to support the firefighters, aircraft and equipment working the line. We’re proud to work alongside Alberta Wildfire and the communities we serve, and we’re grateful to every firefighter and partner who helped keep Albertans safe this season.”

Furthermore, this year Alberta strengthened its ability to respond to remote wildfires by investing in its new hoist program.

They added two hoist-equipped helicopters, a five-person crew and expanded training capacity in Hinton.

Preparation for next year is already underway, with significant steps to reduce wildfire risk and protect communities since launching the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy.

The province reports that since April 2025, 1,000 hectares of strategic fuel breaks have been constructed by managing vegetation and clearing space in the forest to help slow wildfire spread and reduce fire intensity near developed areas.

In addition, more than 6,200 hectares have been treated near 24 at-risk communities through the Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program.

The Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) has committed more than $7 million for 61 community FireSmart projects across the province, and FRIAA’s Community Fireguard Program has also committed more than $10 million to five new projects in Castle Mountain, the Kananaskis Improvement District Lower Cottage Subdivision, Canmore’s south boundary, Bigstone Cree Nation and Driftpile Cree Nation.

Work on these projects is expected to begin this fall and continue into 2027.

“The safety of our communities and the protection of our forests are the heart of what we do,” said Kelly Shirt, Goodfish Lake Firetack crew contractor, Lac la Biche Forest Area. “Wildfires can happen at any time, so we stay trained, prepared and ready to respond. We’re proud to work with Alberta Wildfire and to support the residents of the Lac La Biche area whenever we’re needed.”

As the province prepares for future wildfire seasons, Alberta’s government remains committed to protecting communities, critical infrastructure, natural resources and the economy. By being prepared and working together, Alberta can reduce the negative impacts of wildfire while ensuring families, communities and industry continue to thrive.

by rdnewsNOW staff

Province reports crews and rain contribute to successful wildfire season

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