Wildfire Mitigation Strategy

The Wildfire Mitigation Strategy reduces the risk of wildfires and their impact on lives and infrastructure by following FireSmart™ guidelines and supporting FireSmart™ programs.

Who does the strategy impact?

The strategy heavily affects forested public and Crown lands in the county, reducing wildfire risk for residents in those areas.

How was the strategy created?

Launched in 2010 under the Mountain Pine Beetle program, the strategy focused on Wapiti Dunes and Aspen Ridge. County staff worked with various groups to assess risk and create a plan to help mitigate future wildfire risks in additional areas. County Council approved the strategy in 2015, and in late 2024, the plan was updated with input from forestry experts. In late 2025, Council approved the updated version of the strategy, focusing on fuel management, community preparedness, and public education.

How is it funded?

Funding of these projects has been possible with grants from Alberta Forestry, Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA), and timber harvest revenue.

Strategy priorities

The following priorities aim to meet the goals of our Wildfire Mitigation Strategy:

Priority #1 Vegetation Management in High-Risk Areas

The Wapiti Sand Dunes are identified as the highest wildfire risk area due to dense coniferous fuels (C2 and C3 types), proximity to subdivisions, and recreational use.

Past treatments (2015–2024) included thinning pine stands and constructing fireguards.

The 2025 strategy focuses on:

New fireguards and thinning/pruning projects in near-, medium-, and long-term blocks.
Re-entry into previously treated areas to meet updated FireSmart™ standards.
Removal of dead trees left by the Dunes West Fire to reduce fuel loads.
Funding applications to the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta to support these treatments.

Priority #2 Public Education Focused on Fire Safety

The County has expanded FireSmart outreach through:

Workshops, trade shows, and open houses, such as the annual Home and Garden Show.
Voyent Alert! system for real-time updates and emergency alerts.
Targeted education on grass fire prevention for rural landowners.
Annual FireSmart Chipping Days and community recognition programs.

Priority #3 Interagency Cooperation and Emergency Planning

The County maintains Mutual Aid Agreements with Alberta Forestry and Parks, neighbouring municipalities, and the City of Grande Prairie.

In addition, the County is part of the Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Partnership (GPREP), which coordinates emergency response across five municipalities.

Upcoming actions include:

Mock wildfire emergency exercises (Q1 2026).
Standardized vendor qualification checklists and contractor lists for wildfire support.
Quarterly FireSmart Committee meetings and the establishment of a dedicated FireSmart position.

Contact Us

Regional Fire Service
10808 100 Ave
Clairmont, AB
T8X 5B2

Phone: 780-532-9727

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