Creation of a Wildfire Prevention Committee
IT IS THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT Alberta Municipalities advocate to the Government of Alberta to establish a “Wildfire Prevention Committee” consisting of industry, municipal and provincial subject matter experts, elected officials, and senior municipal administrators.
WHEREAS Alberta Forestry and Parks is the principal agency responsible for wildfire management in the Forest Protection Area (FPA), and municipalities are responsible for fire prevention and protection within their boundaries;
WHEREAS municipalities are responsible for the management of wildfires as per Section 7(1) of the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, including all financial costs of suppression within their boundaries;
WHEREAS wildfire seasons are growing increasingly longer and more intense, placing a significant strain on provincial and municipal wildfire resources;
WHEREAS wildfire prevention strategies are a resource-intensive activity that requires resources, expertise, and funding to effectively prepare for and mitigate the effects of wildfires;
WHEREAS there are no Provincial initiatives which allow wildfire fire affected communities and industry to discuss practical and operational issues with Provincial wildfire authorities on a regular basis; and
WHEREAS it is in the best interest of all Albertans to ensure that municipalities are provided the resources and expertise to be proactive and resilient to the effects of wildfires.
Alberta’s wildland fire seasons are worsening, posing significant challenges to municipalities within and beyond the Forest Protection Area (FPA). Wildfires are starting earlier, lasting longer, and impacting larger areas of Alberta than ever before. This increase in wildfire activity places a substantial strain on municipal fire and emergency management resources.
In response to these challenges, the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association passed resolution 2023-04 aiming to collaboratively develop a long-term strategy for managing large wildland fires. This resolution underscores the need for coordinated efforts among government ministries, Alberta Municipalities, the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, and municipalities to address the escalating threats posed by wildfires.
As wildfire seasons across Alberta grow in length and intensity, they not only endanger lives and property but also place a significant drain on municipal resources and budgets. It is imperative to take proactive measures to ensure Alberta’s municipalities are well-prepared and well-equipped to protect Albertans from the increasing threat of wildfires.
The establishment of a Wildfire Prevention Committee could serve to:
- Inform and advise the Government of Alberta on municipal priorities.
- Enhance communication between municipalities and Provincial agencies.
- Encourage a proactive and collaborative approach to protecting Alberta communities from the effects of wildfires.
- Promote advocacy and stakeholder engagement related to wildfire mitigation measures.
Through these collaborative efforts, the Provincial government and municipalities can align resources, expertise, and knowledge to enhance the resiliency and readiness of Alberta communities from the growing threat of wildfires.
In March 2025, the Minister of Municipal Affairs announced the launch of a Provincial Fire Liaison Committee.
ABmunis’ Rating of the Government’s Response
Intent partially met – further action will be taken at a high engagement level.
ABmunis’ Notes and Actions
ABmunis Board of Directors has appointed a representative to the Provincial Fire Liaison Committee. Meeting reports will be shared with the Infrastructure Committee. The opportunity to participate on this committee was also shared with members via The Weekly.