Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services is ramping up efforts to make Nordegg a FireSmart community, focusing first on selective mulching strategies in the region.
The team works closely with Alberta Wildfire to assess high-risk areas, devise plans, and implement safety strategies, particularly in communities like Nordegg, which are located near forested areas and prone to wildfires.
“Nordegg, given its proximity to the mountains and a high population surrounded by trees, requires focused attention to ensure we can mitigate wildfire risks effectively,” says John Liadis, Fire Chief for Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services (CRFRS).
This year, he says, its taking significant steps to address that through vegetation management and mulching projects.
The initiative begins with a series of vegetation assessments, where wildfire hazard assessors, in collaboration with provincial experts, examine the area from both the ground and air.
“One of the key parts of this program is the selective mulching process,” Liadis explained. “More or less, clearing a lot of deadfall and dead brush, creating a better fire guard in some areas to be able to reduce that risk.”
The tender process for contractors has already begun, with plans for contractors to view the area and submit proposals by the end of February. The goal is to complete much of the mulching work before wildfire season begins in late spring.
Once the contractor procurement process is done, locals and visitors may see small to mid-size equipment working in the area completing the selective mulching process.
While the focus is on the mulching and immediate risk reduction, Liadis emphasized, this is just one part of a larger, long-term strategy. He says several FireSmart phases are planned, but may shift due to advice from the province or changing weather or wildfire risk patterns.
As Clearwater County is a large response area, Liadis says it works diligently with community members in education to reduce wildfire risk, as well as regular assessments.
Christine Heggart, Director of Planning and Emergency Services for Clearwater County, noted that the county’s FireSmart approach includes full-time and paid-on-call firefighters trained in both structural firefighting and wildland urban interface (WUI) firefighting. “Our team is experienced in responding to wildland urban interface fires, where the forest meets populated areas,” Heggart said.
Clearwater Regional Fire Rescue Services has been an active participant in training programs to prepare for such fires. The team, has been deployed across Alberta for training and wildfire response, is regarded as a vital resource during wildfire seasons.
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