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RMWB to receive $10.5-million in fire prevention funding

Last Updated Apr 13, 2017 at 1:56 pm MDT

PHOTO. Minister Oneil Carlier speaking with wild land firefighters. Jenna Hamilton/MORNING REPORTER.

The Alberta government has committed $45-million over three years to the FireSmart program.

 


FireSmart is a nationwide program that helps municipalities and residents reduce the risk of wildfire in their communities.

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) will receive $3.5-million in annual funding, $10.5-million in total, for fire prevention work.

“These FireSmart funds will empower Albertans and their communities to take steps to reduce their wildfire risks,” said Oneil Carlier, minister of agriculture and forestry.

“Eligible projects will focus on key areas such as emergency planning, public education, neighbourhood development and wildfire mitigation tactics like removing hazardous vegetation or creating buffers between community buildings and the surrounding forest.”

 

PHOTO. Tools used for FireSmart work. Jenna Hamilton/MORNING REPORTER.

Since 2004 the RMWB has successfully treated 250 hectares of interface areas in the community, following the Horse River wildfire the municipality has continued to focus on the FireSmart efforts with the intent of developing a multi-year FireSmart plan.

“This five year plan would not only mitigate the risk of a fire but protect lives and property and the environment,” said Acting Mayor, Phil Meagher. “The funds announced today will help support our continued fire mitigation work, above all these funds will contribute to our ultimate goal of keeping our community safe.”

The provincial FireSmart program has invested over $35-million to help 95 communities develop FireSmart initiatives in their municipalities.