With the 2025 wildfire season underway, Alberta’s government is focused on improving wildfire prevention, mitigation and readiness to respond. Central to these efforts is the province’s fire weather network, which plays a vital role in predicting fire conditions and detecting fires earlier.
That is why Alberta’s government is investing an additional $900,000 over three years, bringing the total to $1.9 million over three years for upgrades to the network and to add new stations to key locations. These improvements will ensure that Alberta Wildfire teams are equipped with the tools they need to respond to wildfire risks quickly and effectively.
“Our government is continuing to make strategic investments to enhance our wildfire-fighting capabilities. By better predicting how fire risks evolve throughout the season, we’re not only helping Alberta Wildfire teams respond more effectively – we’re also helping communities reduce their exposure to wildfires. This technology is vital to keeping our firefighters safe, and to helping protect lives and livelihoods across the province.”
Alberta’s fire weather network includes 150 strategically placed weather stations that collect information on environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, wind conditions and moisture levels. This real-time data helps Alberta Wildfire stay one step ahead of potential threats, guiding response teams and ensuring resources are deployed to where they’re needed most. New weather station locations will be determined in the near future, as Alberta Wildfire teams work to identify areas lacking weather monitoring coverage.
“FortisAlberta is privileged to be tasked with providing safe and reliable electricity to customers and communities living in some of the most environmentally diverse and beautiful parts of Alberta. Investing in wildfire mitigation technology is not only the right thing to do to protect our communities, but it also helps protect customer affordability. We are very pleased to see the expansion of Alberta’s fire weather network and look forward to working with Minister Loewen and his team to manage wildfire risks for the benefit of all Albertans.”
Improved monitoring is especially important during the spring thaw, when melting snow can lead to drier conditions and increase wildfire risk. New sensors will track snowfall accumulation throughout the winter, providing Alberta Wildfire with valuable insights into how dry conditions might be as the season begins. These upgrades will not only enhance fire danger monitoring but also support more efficient resource planning, ensuring firefighting efforts are deployed effectively from the outset of the wildfire season.
“Clearwater County is pleased by the province’s investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, which directly benefits our region. With 85 per cent of our county within the Forest Protection Area, real-time data is crucial for reducing wildfire risk. Our fire services team already collaborates closely with Alberta Wildfire, using its expertise to make informed decisions, such as pre-positioning resources for structure protection. The more data we receive, the better prepared we are to respond quickly and efficiently together, ensuring stronger protection for our residents and first responders, and the landscapes we call home.”
“This investment in Alberta’s fire weather network, and the inclusion of our region as a strategic location, will provide Alberta Wildfire teams with timely, accurate data to anticipate and respond to risks more effectively. For a community that understands the realities of wildfire, this kind of infrastructure is more than welcome – it’s essential. We’re grateful for this support and the continued efforts to protect our region and strengthen our resilience.”
Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31.
- Budget 2025 also provides:
- $160 million for the base wildfire budget, an increase of $5 million from 2024.
- $15 million for the Community Fireguard Program administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
- $10.8 million in FireSmart programming, ensuring Albertans have access to education and resources that enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts.
Related information
Related news
- Alberta is ready for the 2025 Wildfire Season (March 4, 2025)
- Start of 2025 wildfire season: Minister Todd Loewen (Feb. 28, 2025)