Canadian Red Cross provides funding to support firefighting and FireSmart programming in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

(OTTAWA – May 26, 2026) – The Canadian Red Cross has announced more than $4 million in funding to support and enhance firefighting capabilities and existing wildfire risk reduction programming in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta. 

The funding will help to strengthen existing wildfire mitigation and response programming by assisting the region to support with equipment, training, and staffing. It will also help to build community resilience through FireSmart programming. Activities may include public education and outreach, vegetation management, home and neighbourhood risk assessments, and other initiatives.

Since the 2016 Alberta wildfires, the Canadian Red Cross has supported individuals, families, community organizations, and small businesses impacted by the fires in Fort McMurray and area, including:

·         Providing more than 16,000 families with recovery assistance, including assistance with rent, mortgages, utilities, household goods, repairs and reconstruction support, along with referrals to additional community resources;

·         Helping 3,296 eligible small businesses with financial assistance to help assist with uninsured losses; business equipment rentals, clean-up and minor repairs (including debris removal and bin rental), moving expenses, and storage fees;

·         Assisting community organizations through over 145 partnerships to help provide services to support individuals and the community with recovery from the wildfire, including 22 partnerships with Indigenous organizations to strengthen culturally appropriate supports and programs to address emerging recovery needs and priorities;

·         Providing more than 20,000 individuals with mental health and wellness support through partnerships with local organizations;

·         Distributing a total of 284,000 financial assistance payments to help residents meet their needs; and,

·         A current program providing financial incentives to help households offset the costs associated with residential mitigation activities, set to conclude at the end of June 2026.

The Red Cross and the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo will continue to mitigate wildfire risks and enhance resiliency in the region. 

To learn more about the Canadian Red Cross support following the 2016 wildfire that impacted Fort McMurray and area, please visit www.redcross.ca.

QUOTE:

“Recovery from a major disaster like the 2016 wildfires in Alberta takes time and sustained effort. The Canadian Red Cross has been working alongside the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, residents, business, and community organizations to support ongoing recovery. As wildfire risks continue to increase, proactive, community-based approaches are more critical than ever. The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing FireSmart wildfire mitigation initiatives and increasing firefighting equipment and capabilities. We are grateful to the many Canadians and businesses whose generosity has made this work possible.”

–  Emily Pietropaolo, vice-president, Recovery, Canadian Red Cross 

“The Canadian Red Cross has proven to be a tremendous partner to the Municipality, and the entire region, now for over a decade as we’ve worked together to strengthen the community. We appreciate its continued support and partnership, and it is with gratitude we are reminded of the goodwill of people and organizations from across the region, Alberta, and Canada that help make these initiatives available to us and our residents.”

--Sandy Bowman, mayor, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo