How Should Edmonton Prepare for Wildfire Risk?
Official title: Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire Risk Strategy
Edmonton is creating its first wildfire risk strategy for areas where the city meets natural vegetation. The draft plan focuses on four pillars: reducing fire risk, educating residents, improving emergency response, and coordinating with neighboring communities. They want your feedback on what steps the city and residents should take to become more fire-resilient.
Why This Matters
Live near Edmonton's river valley or ravines? Your neighbourhood could be at higher wildfire risk. After fires devastated Fort McMurray and Jasper, cities across Alberta are taking this seriously. This strategy will shape how the city manages vegetation, responds to fires, and helps you protect your home.
What Could Change
Edmonton could require fire-resistant landscaping in high-risk areas. The city may remove coniferous trees near homes and replace them with deciduous species. New programs could offer incentives for homeowners to make their properties FireSmart. Emergency notification systems and response protocols would be updated.
Key Issues
- What steps should the city take to reduce wildfire ignition risks?
- How can residents better prepare their homes and properties for wildfire?
- What vegetation management approaches should be prioritized?
- How should the city coordinate with neighboring communities on wildfire response?
How to Participate
- Review the draft strategy overview presentation to understand the proposed four pillars: Reduce, Educate, Respond, and Coordinate.
- Share your feedback on the consultation page by the deadline. You can also leave public comments on what you need to be better prepared for wildfires.
- For questions, contact the project manager at wildfirestrategy@edmonton.ca.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (3)
- What do you need to be better prepared for wildfires?
- What steps should the City of Edmonton take to reduce wildfire risk?
- What actions can Edmontonians take to increase wildfire resilience?