Winter FireSmart projects set to begin

Smoke may be visible during work at sites in Fort McMurray, Fort Chipewyan, Anzac and Janvier

(Fort McMurray, AB – Jan 26, 2024) – FireSmart Wood Buffalo is making several communities more resilient to wildfire this winter through vegetation management. Ground conditions have improved through January and work will begin as early as this week.

These projects will be carried out at selected sites in Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, Janvier and Fort McMurray (in selected areas of Thickwood and along Highway 63 near the municipal wastewater treatment plant).

Smoke will be visible during projects

The work will involve the thinning and pruning of highly flammable trees, cleaning out debris as well as removing dead, down and unhealthy trees in densely vegetated areas.

Projects will include mechanical removal of vegetation, but work will also be conducted by crews on the ground with chainsaws and other tools. At times, smoke may be visible as burning will be used to remove debris. Every effort will be made to minimize smoke impacts to nearby properties.

Firewood available for community members

Visit our FireSmart Projects webpage for project specific information, including maps of the project areas. Firewood pickup sites, which will provide free firewood as it becomes available for each community, will be posted on the projects page.

Please follow all road signage, keep a safe distance from workers and equipment and do not enter closed areas.

All timelines and work schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

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