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Provincial aid helps counties recover from spring wildfires

by: Government of Alberta | Nov 25th, 2009


Lamont, Sturgeon and Strathcona counties will receive $8 million under the Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program to help them recover from severe wildfires that swept the region in May. The fires resulted in significant emergency operation and fire suppression costs for the municipalities.&nbsp

“Whether it is wildfires, floods or severe storms, when a disaster occurs, the effects can be devastating,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “The wildfire assistance program helps municipalities recover from wildfires quickly and is part of our commitment to building safe, strong and sustainable communities.”

The wildfires affected thousands of acres of land forcing the municipalities to declare states of local emergency.&nbsp The $8 million in provincial funding will be used to assist these counties with the cost of emergency operations as well as their reclamation efforts.

“These fires were on lands outside our Forest Protection Area, and we provided assistance with control efforts at that time,” said Ted Morton, Minister of Sustainable Resource Development. “Our first priorities are to help protect human life and property.”

The Municipal Wildfire Assistance Program is a provincewide program developed by Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and the Alberta Emergency Management Agency.&nbsp

The program reflects the Alberta government’s plan for a strong economic recovery. An important part of The Way Forward is maintaining support for programs and services Albertans need most, such as health care, education and safe and vibrant communities. For more information on the plan visit Alberta.ca.

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