$45M for forest fires prevention, Alberta government announces

Alberta is dedicating$15 million a year for the next three years to allow more communities to access theFireSmart program.

"Our government iscommitted to ensuringthe necessary resources are in place to protect Albertansand their communities," Forestry Minister Oneil Carlier said at a newsconference in Fort McMurrayThursday.

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FireSmart is a program which helps reducethe impact of forest fires through a range of activities such asclearing dead trees and educating the public. In 2016, Carlier said the province spent $3.8 million on FireSmart.

Fort McMurray and the Wood Buffalo region would receive over $10.5 million for work in the municipality. Other communities around Alberta can apply for funding.

Last May, a wildfire encircled Fort McMurrayanddestroyed more than2,400 homes and structures.

The forest fire is considered one of Alberta's worst, consumingaround 741,550 hectares of forest, an area larger than P.E.I.

This year the provincemoved the start of forest fire season ahead to March and hikefines for activities that could start a wildfire.

Carlieralso said Thursday he hasseen Albertaforestry's draft report onhow the department can improve its wildfire response.

He declined to say what was in the report,which be released in spring or summer.

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