Feature Story
August 21, 2006

FireSmart community grant announcements expected soon

Sustainable Resource Development staff help Albertans better protect their communities from wildfires.


The deadline for applications for the FireSmart Community Grant Program has passed, and selection of the successful candidates is underway. An announcement on awardees will be made within the next two weeks.

The FireSmart Community Grant Program provides funding for municipalities and community groups to reduce the risk of wildfire to their community. Examples of programs considered for funding are:

  • FireSmart plan preparation,
  • Landscape modification around the community, which may include removing deadfall and underbrush, thinning trees, or planting species of trees that are more fire resistant,
  • Public education and communications,
  • Inter-agency cooperation and cross-training,
  • Emergency planning, and
  • Other FireSmart initiatives that may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

The grant program was started last year and seven communities received a total of $200,000 in funds for FireSmart work that included emergency planning, landscape modifications and public education.

For more information on FireSmart, visit
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/wildfires/fpd/firesmart.cfm

For more information on the FireSmart Community Grant Program, visit
http://www.srd.gov.ab.ca/wildfires/fpd/pdf/FireSmart_Grant_Program.pdf