FireSmart strengthens wildfire protection

Alberta communities have access to $800,000 in funding this fiscal year for wildfire protection projects through the FireSmart Community Grant Program.

“This year’s busy wildfire season was a strong reminder of the importance of proactive emergency planning and risk reduction strategies. The FireSmart program provides Albertans with resources to help reduce the threat of wildfires to their communities.”

Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Municipalities, municipal districts, counties, Métis Settlements and registered non-profit societies located within the Forest Protection Area of Alberta are eligible to apply for FireSmart grants to a maximum of $100,000 per community. The funding can be used to support fire preparedness planning, public education, and on-the-ground fire mitigation projects, like creating buffers between buildings and forest vegetation.

Over the past 10 years, the FireSmart Community Program has provided approximately $5.8 million to 129 different communities in Alberta.

Applications are being accepted until October 23, 2015. More details about the program and applications are available at wildfire.alberta.ca.

Related information

• FireSmart Canada

Media inquiries

Geoffrey Driscoll
780-242-3744
Wildfire Information Officer

NT5