Working Together to Prevent Wildfires

As we head into the spring and summer, let’s take some time to talk about wildfires. Reducing the risks of wildfires is a shared responsibility among individuals, communities, governments and private sector organizations. 

For some in the ward, it came too close to home in recent years, with the evacuation in Albany due to a grass fire by the Anthony Henday. Luckily, Edmonton Fire Rescue Services were able to contain the fire before it reached any houses. Making sure Edmonton is monitoring, prepared for, and working to prevent wildfires has been something I’ve kept a keen eye on. 

Wildfire Response

Edmonton is a great city for many reasons, and one of them is our beautiful river valley and many green spaces. However, some of these green spaces carry a certain degree of risk. Specific areas of concern are Wildlife Urban Interface (WUI) zones, where housing is in close proximity to flammable trees, shrubs, and grasses. To address risk in these zones, and in recognition of more wildfires due to climate change, the City is developing a WUI Wildfire Risk Strategy. The city has also taken proactive steps on vegetation management, such as removing dead wood and planting fire-resistant species. 

Edmonton is recognized as a local leader in emergency response, and our city has stepped up to help other municipalities during wildfires. To that end, the strategy also incorporates evacuation planning and emergency response coordination, to ensure that Edmonton is prepared to assist when we are called upon. A City-owned facility has been identified as an evacuation centre, and the Emergency Response Support Team is ready to be scaled as needed for natural disasters. Edmonton Fire Rescue Service has a plan in place for large-scale support, drawing on local contacts for commercial water tankers and heavy equipment.

Recognizing the risk that non-permitted fireworks can have for wildfires, as well as the serious impacts on wildlife, pets, and human beings, the City has taken steps to limit their usage. For these reasons, individuals can receive significant fines for using fireworks without a permit.

The City is ready for potential wildfire emergencies, and you can also play a role in fire safety by being prepared for emergencies, practicing safe behaviour outdoors, and following fire bans. In many cases, safety starts at home.

Fire safety is a priority

The City is implementing a variety of strategies and tools for fire-related needs and emergencies. But there is still work to be done. Specifically, I’d like to see more investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, to move forward Edmonton’s Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan, recognizing that every dollar invested into climate-resilent infrastructure can save over 10 dollars in a disaster. 

To reflect our rapidly growing population, I also want to see the next budget cycle focus on more investment in our fire stations, to ensure that all areas of the city get the coverage they need. Lastly, for the safety of all our communities, I want to ensure we’re seeing enforcement of fire bans and fines for setting off fireworks without permits.

Together, we can make sure that our city and communities are prepared and resilient in the face of fire emergencies.