Alberta approving $175 million to support municipalities stricken by wildfire

A wildfire burning at night. Photo courtesy of Alberta Wildfire.

The Alberta government is putting $175 million towards disaster recovery for communities impacted by ongoing wildfires.

At an announcement Tuesday, the government confirmed that the money would be made available through the Disaster Recovery Program and that different expenses are eligible.

“The covering of volunteer firefighter compensation, overtime costs for salaried firefighters and municipal staff, reception center costs, structural protection costs, and any infrastructure that was damaged as part of the wildfire response,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, at a press conference.

One of the many communities that experienced a large-scale evacuation was the town of Drayton Valley, where a lingering wildfire, the Buck Creek wildfire, threatened the town and pushed all residents out for a week and a half in May.

“I am happy to help with that announcement, that Drayton Valley will be receiving funding from the government of Alberta to help us rebuild after this devastating wildfire. These funds will help recover some of the costs that have been incurred by the Buck Creek wildfire,” said Drayton Valley Mayor Nancy Dodds.

This Alberta wildfire season has been unprecedented, according to the provincial government.

“It’s safe to say that the 2023 fires will go down as one of the worst years for wildfires in this province. This unprecedented wildfire season led to the first ever province-wide state of emergency, there’s no doubt that this has been an incredible challenge for us all,” Ellis said.

“And yet, Albertans and Alberta communities have persevered. Albertans from across the province have pitched in, helping their fellow neighbors and donating time and money to provide relief for those for those that have been impacted,” Ellis added.

The wildfire situation in Alberta evolves by the day. Up-to-date information can be found on Alberta Wildfire’s website.

Listen to the full audio with Mike Ellis and Nancy Dodds below: