Province announces nearly $7 million wildfire program commitment in Strathmore

The Province of Alberta is committing nearly $7 million to the creation of six new Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) teams which aim to protect communities from wildfires. 

Responding to increased wildfire activity within Alberta, the province is actioning with the intent to safeguard communities and strengthen the way emergencies are responded to. 

Announcing the financial commitment and the program, Mike Ellis, minister of public safety and emergency services, introduced it during a presentation held in Strathmore, May 23.

“Wildland Urban Interface teams are structural firefighters who have specialized training and equipment to respond to wildfires that threaten to enter a community or wherever developed areas meet wildland areas,” said Ellis. 

The six new Wildland Interface teams will be based out of the Town of Hinton, the Town of Slave Lake, Lac La Biche County, Kee Tas Kee Now Tribal Council, the Town of Strathmore, and the Kananaskis Improvement District. 

Prior to the establishment of the six new teams, there were two preexisting WUI teams based out of Clearwater County and the Town of High Level. 

Each team is to receive $1.09 million from the province in order to cover personnel costs, administrative support equipment, and maintenance and travel costs to help them develop and expand the WUI programs’ training and operational capacity. 

Funding for the teams based in Strathmore and in the Kananaskis Improvement District will be provided by the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. 

“I think we all know that the fire situation in the province has gotten much stronger much earlier and this program will be amazing to help our community, but also our community can reach out and support other communities in times of trouble,” said Strathmore Mayor Pat Fule. “In 2023, our firefighters deployed across northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Last summer, they went to Jasper and helped there, so our fire department stands ready and we greatly appreciate the (nearly) $7 million that is going to be provided for this program, and we will be one of the six communities that has firefighters train and able to respond in those situations.”

The WUI program targets zones where developments including residential, agricultural, or industrial sites which border or mix with natural vegetation which is at risk from wildfire.

Fires which occur in these areas are often difficult to combat, thus require expertise in both wildland and structural fires in order to address them. WUI teams are equipped with specialized training and equipment necessary to respond to wildfires entering populated communities and developed areas. 

“Strathmore’s firefighters have repeatedly shown their skill, commitment and leadership during emergency deployments,” added Fule. “Participation in the WUI Program allows us to strengthen those capabilities, enhance regional partnerships, and help build a sustainable response model for our community and province.”

Further information regarding the WUI program including its funding, guidelines, training and resources has been made publicly available through the province’s website.