A specialized team in High Level, Alberta, has been conducting controlled burns in preparation for the upcoming fire season. This Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) crew, established seven years ago as one of the first two in the province, operates alongside seven other teams across Alberta. The team is trained to handle both traditional structure fires and wildland firefighting tasks, focusing on areas that have historically lacked sufficient coverage.
High Level, situated approximately 740 kilometers northwest of Edmonton, has become a central evacuation point for fire-related incidents in recent years. The town accommodated evacuees during the Chuckegg Creek wildfire in 2019, which burned over 350,000 hectares. Additionally, the town has assisted with flood-related evacuations from Mackenzie County and serves as a key transit point for communities heading towards the Northwest Territories.
To address the increasing demand for evacuation facilities, discussions are ongoing regarding the construction of a new multipurpose evacuation center in High Level. The proposed facility, estimated to cost around $60 million, would not only serve as an evacuation site but also double as a recreational space. However, funding challenges persist, with municipal tax revenue deemed inadequate for such a project without support from provincial or federal sources.
Fire prevention measures in High Level have been commendable, with a fire guard established around the town in 2019 and ongoing hazard reduction activities. The unique landscape of the boreal forest surrounding the town necessitates constant vigilance against wildfire threats. The WUI teams play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by conducting controlled burns, removing hazardous vegetation, and providing rapid response capabilities in the event of wildfires, given the town’s remote location.
Efforts to secure funding for the new evacuation center are ongoing, with discussions involving provincial and federal officials to explore potential avenues for financial support. The town remains committed to enhancing its disaster preparedness and response capabilities, collaborating with various levels of government to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents in times of crisis.