Managing Wildfires Outside of the Forestry Protected Area

RMA Resolution 7-23F Strategy for Management of Wildland Fires Outside Forest Protection Area

In 2023 the RMA passed this resolution advocating for engagement with the Government of Alberta, Alberta Fire Chiefs Association and Alberta Municipalities to develop a long term strategy for the resourcing and management of wildland fires outside of the Forest Protection Area. The resolution also directs the RMA to advocate for additional funding to train more rotary wing pilots in bucketing and strategically places these resources outside the Forestry Protection Area.

“The RMA has organized a Wildfire Working Group, with the first meeting set for May 24 (2024). The group’s creation was informed by Resolution 7-23F, which concerns wildfire management in regions outside the Forest Protection Area.” RMA LinkedIn post

The province has responded to last year’s wildfire concerns with Bill 21. “On May 9, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services introduced Bill 21: Emergency Statutes Amendment Act, which amends six pieces of legislation. Of note for RMA members are the proposed amendments to the Emergency Management Act, the Forest and Prairie Protection Act, and the Water Act.” Read the full RMA response posted on the RMA site Initial RMA Reaction to Bill 21 from May 10, 2024.

Meanwhile in Grande Prairie

May 22, 2024: “The county of Grande Prairie is now under a fire restriction as of last Friday .  With some very welcome precipitation in the amounts varying from 1/2 to almost 2 inches as of yesterday. At this time,  the fires are reported as being under control.  As the area is still dry in most cases as moisture levels started extremely low, without ongoing rainfall the fire risk will return to extremely high shortly.  

The farmers in the area are for the most part are either finished seeding crops or wrapping up shortly.  This last rainfall gave an even germination as it for the most part joined moisture levels and growth is happening rapidly.  

With the lack of moisture and wildfires in the County of Grande Prairie, it was a very tough time for many families as I’m sure the same held true for a lot of the province. Although we need more rain going forward, it is already evident of increased optimism and hope. This is very good to see.  

Bob Chrenek
Councillor Division 9, Council
County of Grande Prairie“

Resources Under Development for Municipalities and Farmers

In the fall of 2023, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation’s – Emergency Management staff participated in a post-fire review of the 2023 fire season that was organized by the Agriculture Fieldmen from MD of Greenview, Yellowhead County and Saddle Hills County. 

One of the key observations from the discussion is that producers and communities in Alberta need a tool/guide that will help producers (and smaller-sized animal owners) set up their farms to protect their buildings and animals if they are given an evacuation order.  

The Shelter in Place document has been built as a starting point for that need. It is based on basic home FireSmart principles that have been applied to each of the buildings that are found on a farm.  To be able to cover all the farm situations across the province the document is designed so that each community can adjust it or amend it to their own specific circumstances and local farm layouts.

We encourage you to have a discussion about the checklist with your local/regional fire chiefs to make sure it matches their expectations and then share it with your rate-payers and residents as you see fit.

AgKnow – Alberta’s Farm Mental Health Network, has a link to the shelter in place document on their website as well as a listing of their farm informed therapists that are available immediately to support any farmers or farm family members. Their free session program is currently able to provide 4 free counselling sessions to farmers, their family members and employees, and veterinarians or vet techs.

Counselling Alberta is also available to all community members in the wildfire affected regions who are looking for counselling support. They provide barrier free, no wait time access to experienced counsellors throughout Alberta.