As spring unfolds, the lingering snow in Alberta serves as a stark reminder that wildfire season is upon us once again. In the picturesque Rocky Mountain towns of Canmore and Hinton, local authorities are taking proactive measures to safeguard their communities from the devastating effects of wildfires, especially following the catastrophic events that befell Jasper in 2024.
Lessons from the Past
The memory of Jasper’s harrowing experience, where a significant portion of the town was consumed by flames, remains fresh in the minds of Canmore’s residents. Mayor Sean Krausert articulated this sentiment, stating, “Being a community, very much like ours… a tourist destination surrounded by trees… it could happen to you.” The 2024 wildfire resulted in the destruction of a third of Jasper’s structures and the overnight evacuation of 25,000 individuals, underscoring the urgent need for preparedness.
In response, Canmore is actively working on a comprehensive fireguard project aimed at creating a protective buffer against advancing flames. This initiative involves clearing strips of land of trees and underbrush, effectively starving potential wildfires of fuel. The first phase of the project has already been completed on the south-facing slopes of surrounding mountains, which are particularly vulnerable due to their sun exposure.
Ongoing Fireguard Developments
The second phase of Canmore’s fireguard construction is well underway, with significant clearing happening on a ridge that overlooks the town. Here, the remnants of felled trees are piled high, awaiting a controlled burn in the winter months. Plans for a third phase include a substantial 150-metre wide firebreak extending 15 kilometres south down the valley.
Mayor Krausert reflected on the anxiety that accompanies living in a forested valley, stating, “I don’t think you can live in a valley full of trees and be comfortable given the wildfires in the last number of years.” This sentiment resonates with many residents who are increasingly aware of the risks posed by wildfires.
Community Engagement in Fire Safety
In addition to large-scale fireguard projects, Canmore is engaging its residents through the FireSmart programme, which encompasses thirteen neighbourhoods. This initiative encourages homeowners to take preventative measures, such as removing pine needles from gutters and clearing debris from roofs. Simon Bagshaw, the town’s FireSmart coordinator, highlighted the threat posed by ember showers, which can ignite materials as far as two kilometres ahead of a wildfire.
In Hinton, located about an hour east of Jasper, local leaders are also prioritising fire safety. The town is constructing a five-kilometre firebreak, motivated by both the Jasper fire and a similar incident in Edson last year that necessitated evacuations. Mayor Brian Laberge described the collaborative nature of these efforts among the neighbouring towns, stating, “We (Jasper, Hinton and Edson) are kind of the three sisters — and Hinton is the one in the middle that hasn’t been hit by fire.”
However, the creation of firebreaks is not without its challenges. Landowners often express concern over the removal of trees, which are cherished for their aesthetic and environmental value. Laberge acknowledged this tension, noting the difficulty in convincing residents to part with beloved groves.
The Role of Climate Change
Experts on wildfire behaviour, such as Jed Kaplan from the University of Calgary, attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, which has resulted in hotter summers, prolonged dry spells, and milder winters. Kaplan remarked on the urgent need for effective intervention in the region, asserting, “We have to cross our fingers that a lot of these treatments can be completed before there is a big fire.”
Additionally, Alberta’s Forestry Minister Todd Loewen pointed out that human activity accounts for approximately 60% of wildfires, with the remainder caused by lightning strikes. He emphasised the importance of public awareness and behaviour change in mitigating wildfire risks, stating, “Even small changes in behaviour can make a big difference.”
Why it Matters
The proactive initiatives undertaken by Canmore and Hinton serve as vital examples for communities across Western Canada, where the threat of wildfires continues to loom large. By investing in fireguard projects and fostering community engagement in fire safety, these towns are not only protecting their residents and natural landscapes but also setting a precedent for others to follow. As climate change exacerbates wildfire risks, the lessons learned from Alberta’s communities could prove invaluable in efforts to safeguard lives and property in the face of nature’s unpredictable fury.