Building a wildfire-resilient Alberta

To strengthen wildfire mitigation and preparedness, Alberta's government has developed the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy. This forward-looking plan sets a clear path to better protect Albertans, reduce wildfire risk and safeguard what matters most to Albertans. The strategy aligns with the national Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy while addressing Alberta's unique landscape and community needs.

Building on significant mitigation work already underway, the strategy advances practical action through education, landscape planning, partnerships, legislation and technology. Together, these coordinated efforts are building a wildfire-resilient Alberta that is stronger, safer and ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

"Mitigating the negative impacts of wildfires on our communities, forests and infrastructure is a key priority for Alberta's government. Through the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, we will strengthen public safety and help people living in Alberta become better informed and prepared for wildfire. Through education, risk reduction and partnerships, this strategy helps us bring all our available tools to bear to create a more wildfire resilient Alberta."

The Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy sets out six key themes:

• Increasing knowledge and understanding of wildfire risks.
• Strengthening community and Indigenous partnerships.
• Reviewing legislation, policy and governance.
• Pursuing enhanced technology and innovation.
• Integrating wildfire mitigation in landscape planning.
• Prioritizing hazardous fuels management.

The strategy recognizes that wildfire mitigation is a shared responsibility and calls for ongoing collaboration with Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry, research institutions and non-governmental organizations.

"As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the owners and operators of the electric transmission and distribution networks in Alberta's highest-risk areas - AltaLink, ATCO and FortisAlberta - have formed the Alberta Wildfire Utility Coalition. The coalition supports the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy and looks forward to working with the Government of Alberta and our community partners to focus on preparation, resilience and mitigation efforts that can reduce the likelihood and the impact of wildfires in Alberta."

In recent years, Alberta's government has expanded Community Fireguard Programs, increased the adoption of FireSmart practices and deployed new technologies to detect and respond to wildfire threats. The Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy builds on these successes and provides a clear framework to guide Alberta into the future.

"Alberta's Wildfire Mitigation Strategy is a meaningful step in Canada's collective effort to reduce risk from wildland fire. By aligning provincial action with the Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy, Alberta is advancing a whole-of-society approach that strengthens community resilience and prioritizes proactive, risk-based mitigation to protect people and landscapes."

As the province prepares for future wildfire seasons, Alberta's government remains committed to protecting communities, supporting industry and strengthening resilience. By being prepared and working together, Alberta can reduce the negative impacts of wildfire while ensuring families, communities and industry continue to thrive.

Quick facts

• Alberta's forests cover more than 60 per cent of the province, supporting ecological, social, cultural and economic opportunities.
• Alberta's government committed $15 million in community fireguard funding in 2025-26.
• Mitigation efforts already underway:
  • Through the community fireguard program, 23 detailed community fireguard plans and four community fireguard construction projects were approved.
  • Since 2013, funding has supported completion of 630 FireSmart projects, benefiting 178 Alberta communities.
  • In 2025, Forestry and Parks completed 20 hazard-reduction burns and one wildlife- habitat-improvement prescribed fire for a total of 1,051 hectares of area burned.
  • The implementation of the Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program in 2025 saw more than 1,300 hectares of hazardous fuels removed around some of the most at-risk communities in Alberta.

Related information

• Read the strategy
• Watch the video