Edmonton releases Wildfire Risk Strategy

The City of Edmonton has released its Wildfire Risk Strategy, as Canada has seen an increase in wildfires over the last few years.

The City made the announcement on Monday, saying it is developing a roadmap for a coordinated approach to protecting people, property, and natural areas in Edmonton.

“This strategy flows from our commitment to building a resilient city where we are aware of the risks associated with climate change, including wildfires, and protect our ecosystems and communities through proactive planning,” said Kent Snyder, Branch Manager of Planning and Environment Services.

“By integrating wildfire planning and resilience into our land-use policies and development standards, we are ensuring that Edmonton’s growth is both sustainable and safe for future generations.”

Through the strategy, the City will look to minimize ignition risk through vegetation management and updated development regulations, increase community awareness and support initiatives such as the FireSmart™ Neighbourhood Recognition Program, strengthen integrated emergency response and specialized wildfire training across City departments, and Collaborate with regional partners and Indigenous communities to build landscape-level resilience.

This plan was made as Edmonton has been hotter and drier; there’s been an increase in wildland fuel, such as flammable vegetation and woody debris, and urban growth in areas where development meets natural landscapes, such as along the North Saskatchewan River valley.

“While we pride ourselves on having a world-class fire service, a whole-of-society approach is essential to mitigate the risks of wildfires in our city,” said David Lazenby, Chief of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services.

“This strategy allows us to look beyond fire response and suppression to focus on, and enhance, our forest and brush management, cross-departmental training, and public education efforts to stop fires before they reach our communities.”

Edmonton has already begun monitoring and mitigating wildfire risk by using the EmberWise tool — which predicts fire risk by tracking local weather, landscape features, and land use. The use of drones, prescribed burns, and targeted fuel reduction is also being used to help prevent fires from reaching homes by trimming low tree branches and removing fallen wood.

The City says Edmontonians can help prevent fires by calling 911 if you see smoke or fire, refraining from smoking in natural, naturalized or vegetation-covered areas, safely disposing of cigarettes in fire-safe containers, following fire ban rules and avoiding the use of unauthorized fire pits in parks or natural areas, by not dumping yard debris in natural or naturalized areas, as it increases fuel for fires, and finding information on the WUI Wildfire Risk Strategy online by clicking here.