FireSmart™ Vegetation Management Program
Wildfires are a concern for communities in northern Alberta due to dense forests, dry conditions and frequent lightning. To help reduce these risks, the City carries out FireSmart™ vegetation management activities to remove or reduce flammable materials. FireSmart™ vegetation work focuses on reducing wildfire risk by modifying vegetation in and around communities, creating defensible space that slows fire spread and supports firefighter response.
The FireSmart™ Vegetation Management Program aims to decrease wildfire danger primarily within the Bear Creek corridor and strengthen overall community safety.
Funding for the Work
In 2025, the City received two grants to support FireSmart™ activities in the Bear Creek area.
- Intact Municipal Climate Resiliency Grant – $131,982 to remove dead and downed woody debris on public land behind residential properties along the Bear Creek Corridor from South Bear Creek Park north to 97 Avenue.
- Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) Grant – $126,939 to establish fireguard trails and improve firefighter access in South Bear Creek Park to help reduce wildfire risk.
What the Program Includes
Vegetation work may involve:
- Removing dead, dying or fallen woody material
- Thinning dense brush and understory vegetation
- Pruning lower tree limbs
- Improving visibility and access for first responders
- Chipping or removing material where required
All activities follow recognised FireSmart™ guidelines and environmental considerations.
Current Work Areas
- South Bear Creek
- Bear Creek Corridor (South Bear Creek Park north to 97th Avenue)
FAQs
To help you better understand the FRIAA FireSmart Vegetation Management Program and its impact on our community, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. This section aims to provide clear and concise information about the program’s goals, activities, and what residents can expect during the vegetation management process.
