Alberta’s government has introduced a new strategy aimed at reducing wildfire risk and strengthening protection for communities, forests and critical infrastructure across the province.

The Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy outlines a long-term plan designed to improve preparedness, enhance wildfire prevention efforts and support collaboration between government agencies, municipalities, Indigenous communities and industry partners.

According to the province, the strategy aligns with the national Canadian Wildland Fire Prevention and Mitigation Strategy, while also addressing Alberta’s unique landscape, environmental conditions and community needs.

Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen said the plan is focused on improving public safety and ensuring Albertans are better prepared for wildfire threats.

“Mitigating the negative impacts of wildfires on our communities, forests and infrastructure is a key priority for Alberta’s government,” said Loewen. “Through the Alberta Wildfire Mitigation Strategy, we will strengthen public safety and help people living in Alberta become better informed and prepared for wildfire.”

The strategy outlines six primary focus areas designed to guide wildfire prevention and preparedness efforts moving forward. These include increasing public knowledge of wildfire risks, strengthening partnerships with communities and Indigenous groups, reviewing legislation and governance, investing in technology and innovation, integrating wildfire mitigation into landscape planning, and prioritizing hazardous fuels management.

Officials say the approach builds on existing wildfire mitigation programs already operating in the province.

In recent years, Alberta has expanded its Community Fireguard Program, increased the adoption of FireSmart practices, and introduced new technologies to help detect and respond to wildfire threats more quickly.

The province says these initiatives have already produced measurable results.

Since 2013, funding has supported the completion of 630 FireSmart projects across 178 communities in Alberta. In 2025 alone, Forestry and Parks carried out 20 hazard-reduction burns and one prescribed burn aimed at improving wildlife habitat, covering a total of 1,051 hectares.

The province also introduced the Community Hazardous Fuels Reduction Program in 2025, which removed more than 1,300 hectares of hazardous fuels around some of Alberta’s most at-risk communities.

Utility providers are also working with the province as part of broader wildfire prevention efforts.

Owners and operators of electric transmission and distribution networks in high-risk areas — AltaLink, ATCO and FortisAlberta — have formed the Alberta Wildfire Utility Coalition to support wildfire mitigation initiatives.

In a joint statement, the coalition said it looks forward to collaborating with the province and community partners to improve wildfire preparedness and resilience.

“As wildfires become more frequent and severe, the owners and operators of the electric transmission and distribution networks in Alberta’s highest-risk areas have formed the Alberta Wildfire Utility Coalition,” the statement said. “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.”

Wildfire experts say coordinated prevention efforts are becoming increasingly important as climate conditions contribute to longer and more intense wildfire seasons.

Hannah Swift, director of prevention and mitigation with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, said Alberta’s strategy represents an important step toward a broader national effort.

“Alberta’s Wildfire Mitigation Strategy is a meaningful step in Canada’s collective effort to reduce risk from wildland fire,” said Swift. “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.”

Alberta’s forests cover more than 60 per cent of the province, supporting significant ecological, cultural and economic activity. The province has committed $15 million in community fireguard funding for the 2025–26 fiscal year as part of its wildfire preparedness efforts.

Provincial officials say continued cooperation between governments, communities, industry and residents will be essential in reducing wildfire risks and protecting Albertans in the years ahead.