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Alberta’s strategies for combating wildfires for what is expected to be a very active wildfire season in 2024 will include hiring and training seasonal staff earlier than last year, acquiring new equipment to allow for nighttime firefighting, and weekly wildfire updates to keep Albertans informed, say provincial officials. Read More
He said this year Alberta Wildfire has hired 297 wildland firefighters, 280 Firetack (FTAC) contracted firefighters, and 182 seasonal support staff, in addition the regular administrative and firefighting staff, with more crews being hired weekly until May 15.
Loewen touted Alberta Wildfire’s hiring strategy as a major factor in its ability to proactively combat wildfires in 2024. The intent is to hire 900 new staff by May 15, with 500 already being trained at the Hinton Training Centre. He said the province is bringing on 30-35 new hires a week heading into the May 15 deadline, when they intend to have all crews hired and properly trained. He said they are 39 per cent ahead of 2023 in terms of staffing.
More wildfires in 2024
As of April 18, Alberta Wildfire has fully extinguished 186 wildfires, said Alberta Wildfire information unit manager Christie Tucker, who said there are currently 50 wildfires burning in the forest protection area of Alberta, four of which are considered as “held.”
Tucker said a wildfire that started north of Obed Lake Tuesday is now under control, thanks to the work of firefighters and the luck of the sudden overnight snowfall. But she was quick to note that temporary dips in temperatures do not mean the end of wildfire season. Alberta is suffering from a long-term drought which still makes it possible for trees and grasses to burn, especially with the inordinately high winds as of late.
Along with naturally occurring forest fires caused by factors like temperature, wind speeds, and semi-frequent lighting strikes, Tucker noted that, on average, 67 per cent of wildfires are caused by humans.
As well, there is a small percentage of those wildfires that are considered “incendiary,” an umbrella category for specific man-made fires like arsons, mischief, and industrial activities, among other sources. Of manmade fires in 2023, 11 per cent were considered incendiary, compared to eight per cent so far in 2024.
How you can prevent forest fires
Another strategy Loewen touted as a success was spending money on advertising campaigns that proactively informed Albertans early on about the causes of wildfires and how they can help prevent them.
“The number of wildfires that are … human-caused fires was unprecedented, and that led us to understand that we needed to take a proactive approach when it comes to informing the public and making sure they’re aware, getting that information out to people and making sure they understand the dangers and costs of wildfires,” Loewen said.
“So far I’ve heard good things about the response and I think that’s great.”
Loewen said there are already fire bans, restrictions, and advisories in place, and Albertans who want to stay informed should familiarize themselves with the Alberta Wildfire website.
