Canmore, Bow Valley wildfire prevention includes fireguard [Video]

As Alberta nears the start of another wildfire season, there are efforts underway to safeguard against wildfires in Canmore and the Bow Valley.

Forestry and Parks Minister Todd Loewen held a news conference in Canmore on Monday to share details of the new Bow Valley Community Fireguard.

The fireguard is part of the Community Fireguard Program, which facilitates the removal of trees surrounding vulnerable communities that can act as fuel in the event of fires.

The province says the program helps ensure that residents, homes, businesses and critical infrastructure are better protected from the devastating effects of wildfires.

Work on the Bow Valley Community Fireguard began in the fall after the project received $750,000 in provincial funding; it includes a combination of mechanical tree removal and forest thinning.

“Alberta faced significant wildfire seasons over the last two years,” said Loewen. “The reality is that decades of fire suppression left our …