In anticipation of the wildfire season, Alberta is ramping up its defence through significant investments in technology and resources to combat the increased risk of wildfires across the province.
The provincial government has earmarked an extra $151 million over the next three years to enhance wildfire preparedness, prevention, response, and mitigation efforts by adding personnel, aircraft, drones, night-vision technology, and even artificial intelligence.
According to Todd Loewen, Alberta’s Minister of Forestry and Parks, the province is in a good position to face this year’s wildfire season thanks to advancements in technology and a focus on being proactive.
“Alberta’s government is well prepared for the 2024 wildfire season,” he said. “We have emerging technologies that will enable us to better protect forests and communities while continuing to prioritize proactive measures that build wildfire resilience throughout the province.”
Budget 2024 highlights the increase in aerial firefighting capabilities, including securing two extra long-term helicopter contracts, two new air tanker contracts, and more drones for wildfire surveillance. The renewal of 130 helicopter contracts by April 1 is also part of the plan.
Bernie Schmitte, executive director of Alberta Wildfire, noted: “We live in a time where we have access to incredible technologies, and last year we recognized some great successes from various firefighting technology pilot programs.
“I can say with confidence that the additional night-vision equipped helicopters and drones will make a big difference in our wildfire mitigation and response efforts this year.”
Alberta Wildfire is committed to continually exploring and testing new technologies in wildfire prevention, mitigation, and suppression to ensure rapid response capabilities and effective wildfire extinguishing.
Looking to the future, the government is considering expanding the province’s air tanker fleet and trialling more firefighting technologies.
The abovementioned investment is on top of the $251 million in capital funding announced for flood and drought mitigation projects over three years, $539 million for municipal and regional water and wastewater projects, and $418 million for infrastructure projects to manage water.
Aaron Sutherland from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) praised the government’s strategic investments in a statement.
“IBC commends the government on making new, targeted investments to bolster the province’s ability to prevent and respond to extreme natural events such as floods, droughts, and wildfires. The unprecedented wildfires in 2023 were a sobering reminder of the challenges Albertans face each and every year from extreme weather events.
“Between 2020 and 2023, extreme weather in Alberta resulted in $3.6 billion in insured losses. Last year was the third worst year for severe weather in Canadian history, with more than $3.1 billion in insured losses across the country. The investments… will improve wildfire and flood mitigation, response, and recovery efforts, as well as help build resilience to the weather-related risks Albertans face moving forward.
“IBC is also encouraged to see a commitment in the budget to continue efforts to make auto and property insurance more affordable for Albertans. IBC looks forward to working with the government further in support of that objective.”
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