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As the season of wildfires commences in Alberta, communities nestled in the Rocky Mountain region, including Canmore and Hinton, are ramping up their efforts to safeguard against potential devastation. Following the catastrophic events of 2024, when a massive blaze ravaged Jasper and compelled the evacuation of 25,000 residents, local leaders are keenly aware of the looming threat.
Fortifying the Community
Canmore’s Mayor Sean Krausert reflects on the stark reality of wildfire risks, drawing parallels between his town and Jasper’s unfortunate experience. “Being a community, very much like ours… a tourist destination surrounded by trees… it could happen to you,” he emphasised during a recent interview. The memory of Jasper serves as a potent reminder of wildfires’ destructive potential and has galvanised Canmore’s initiatives to enhance fire safety.
Currently, Canmore is undertaking a comprehensive, multi-phase project to establish a fireguard around the town. This involves clearing a swath of land to eliminate combustible materials that can fuel advancing flames. The first phase has successfully been completed on the south-facing slopes of the nearby mountains, while a second phase is well underway. In this latest effort, significant tree removal has occurred on a ridge overlooking Canmore, leaving behind substantial piles of debris, some reaching heights of 10 metres, which are anticipated to be burned in the upcoming winter.
Community Engagement and Preparedness
In addition to physical firebreaks, Canmore is also actively engaging its residents in wildfire preparedness through the FireSmart programme. Thirteen neighbourhoods have participated in this initiative, which encourages homeowners to undertake practical measures such as clearing pine needles from gutters and removing debris from roofs. Simon Bagshaw, the town’s FireSmart coordinator, warns about the dangers posed by ember showers that can travel up to two kilometres ahead of advancing fires. “They land on woodpiles, they land on conifer trees and even mulch that people have, and those are the things that can ignite,” he explained.
Hinton’s Protective Measures
Further east, the town of Hinton is also bolstering its wildfire resilience. Following the Jasper fire and a subsequent blaze in Edson in 2023, Hinton is constructing a five-kilometre firebreak around its community. Mayor Brian Laberge articulated the interconnectedness of these mountain towns, remarking, “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 fireguards has not been without contention. Laberge noted that some landowners are reluctant to see beloved trees removed. “Landowners are going, ‘What the heck, I love my trees,’” he said, highlighting the emotional attachment many have to the local landscape.
Climate Change and Ongoing Risks
Wildfire expert Jed Kaplan, from the University of Calgary, attributes the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires to climate change, pointing to hotter summers and extended dry periods as key factors. Kaplan asserts that proactive measures in the areas between Calgary and Vancouver are essential. “We have to cross our fingers that a lot of these treatments can be completed before there is a big fire,” he stated.
Alberta’s Forestry Minister Todd Loewen confirmed that 27 new wildfires have already been reported this year. He emphasised the importance of public awareness, noting that approximately 60 per cent of wildfires are caused by human activity, with the remainder ignited by lightning. “Even small changes in behaviour can make a big difference,” he concluded.
Why it Matters
The proactive steps being taken by Canmore and Hinton underline the pressing need for communities in wildfire-prone regions to prepare for the increasing threat posed by climate change. With wildfires becoming an ever-present danger, the initiatives to create firebreaks and engage residents in fire safety not only aim to protect property and lives but also foster a culture of resilience. As these communities face the harsh realities of their environment, their actions serve as a model for other regions at risk, highlighting the importance of preparedness and community solidarity in the face of natural disasters.
