Alberta says it is ready for wildfire season, with more boots on the ground, stronger air support, and new funding to help communities respond faster when fires hit.

The province announced Monday that over 550 seasonal firefighters have been hired, with access to hundreds more through contracts and mutual aid agreements if needed.

More crews, faster response

Wildfire response remains a top priority for the province, with crews trained for both rapid attack and long-term firefighting efforts. Officials say new partnerships and improved coordination will help protect communities, forests and infrastructure across Alberta.

Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks, says the province is focused on readiness and resilience heading into the season.

Major investment in air support

A big part of that readiness is in the air.

Alberta continues to expand its aerial firefighting capabilities, including helicopters equipped with night vision for around-the-clock response and hoist systems for hard-to-reach areas.

The province also recently signed a $400 million deal with De Havilland Canada to build five new water bombers in Alberta.

Combined with a network of airbases across the province, officials say aircraft can be deployed quickly to stop fires before they grow out of control.

New funding for municipalities

A new program launching this year aims to help municipalities act faster when wildfire threatens.

The Mutual Aid Incentive Pilot will offer up to $125,000 per community to support wildfire response efforts and reduce hesitation to request help due to cost concerns.

Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams says strong local fire services remain the backbone of Alberta’s wildfire defence.

Building on lessons from past seasons

The province is also continuing to invest in Wildland Urban Interface teams — specially trained municipal firefighters who focus on protecting communities and infrastructure.

Other programs like FireSmart initiatives, fireguards and fuel reduction projects are also part of the broader strategy to reduce risk before fires start.

By the numbers

• $169 million allocated in Budget 2026 for wildfire management
• Over 550 seasonal firefighters hired
• Nearly 1,200 applicants for firefighting roles this year, up from about 800 in 2025
• $7 million invested in 2025 to create six new interface teams

The bottom line

With wildfire seasons becoming more intense, Alberta is leaning heavily on preparation, technology and partnerships.

The message from the province is clear: act early, respond fast and give communities the tools they need before small fires turn into major disasters.