Government of Alberta says its prepared for wildfire season

Including a focus on protecting rural communities, farms and ranches

As Alberta enters the 2026 wildfire season, the provincial government says crews, equipment and emergency response systems are in place to help protect communities, forests and critical infrastructure across the province. 

More than 550 seasonal firefighters have been hired for the season, with additional personnel available through contracts and mutual aid agreements if conditions worsen. Alberta is also continuing investments in aerial firefighting capacity, including helicopters equipped for night operations and difficult terrain response. 

The province recently announced a $400-million contract for five new waterbombers that will support wildfire suppression efforts across Alberta. 

For Alberta’s agricultural sector, wildfire preparedness remains especially important as producers face risks related to pasture loss, feed shortages, fencing damage, livestock relocation and smoke impacts during severe fire seasons.

Many ranching operations are located in regions vulnerable to wildfire activity, particularly in forested and foothill areas of the province. Quick response times and strong coordination between provincial crews, municipalities and local fire departments can play a critical role in protecting grazing land, farm infrastructure and rural communities.

Integrating resources

The province says it will continue using Wildland Urban Interface teams made up of specially trained municipal firefighters to help protect communities and infrastructure threatened by wildfire. Other mitigation efforts include FireSmart initiatives, community fireguards and hazardous fuels reduction programs. 

A new Mutual Aid Incentive Pilot program will also provide municipalities with up to $125,000 to support wildfire response and encourage earlier requests for provincial assistance during emergencies. 

Budget 2026 includes $169 million for wildfire management and preparedness initiatives. 

Related Resource: Farm Animals and Livestock Preparedness – Government of Alberta