As wildfire season officially begins in Alberta, mountain towns like Canmore and Hinton are taking proactive measures against the growing threat. The communities are not waiting for a disaster, having witnessed the devastation of fires like the one that impacted Jasper in 2024.
Canmore Mayor Sean Krausert stated that the Jasper fire served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of tourist destinations surrounded by forests. In response, Canmore is undertaking a multi-phase project to construct fireguards around the town. These cleared strips of land aim to halt advancing fires by removing fuel.
One phase of the fireguard is complete on sun-exposed mountain slopes. A second is nearing completion, with trees cleared on a ridge overlooking the town. A third project will establish a 150-meter wide, 15-kilometer long firebreak down the valley.
Within the town, the Canmore FireSmart program encourages homeowners to take preventative steps, such as clearing debris from roofs and gutters. Simon Bagshaw, Canmore's FireSmart coordinator, highlighted the danger of embers traveling ahead of wildfires, igniting common household materials.
Hinton, east of Jasper, is also constructing a five-kilometer firebreak, influenced by the Jasper fire and a 2023 fire near Edson. Mayor Brian Laberge acknowledged the challenges in clearing trees, which can be difficult for some landowners.
Wildfire expert Jed Kaplan attributes the increased risk to climate change, citing hotter summers, longer dry spells, and warmer winters. He noted that areas between Calgary and Vancouver present opportunities for concrete interventions to reduce wildfire damage.
Alberta Forestry Minister Todd Loewen reported 27 new wildfires this year, emphasizing that human activity causes an estimated 60% of these fires. He stressed that even minor behavioral changes can significantly impact wildfire prevention.