The Government of Alberta is pledging financial aid for municipalities stricken by this spring’s fires.

During May and June, nearly 40,000 Albertans were displaced as wildfires burned nearly 1.5 million hectares of forest.

The Government of Alberta is earmarking $175 million in support for municipalities to help with the costs incurred during this year’s historic fire season.

“This year’s wildfire season has had an early and profound impact on Alberta communities, and our hearts go out to all those affected,” says Premier Danielle Smith.

“Our government stands ready and willing to help Alberta communities. We are committed to supporting local authorities and will use the Disaster Recovery Program to provide financial assistance for the extraordinary costs to respond to the wildfires.”

The funds will help offset costs such as overtime for firefighter and municipal staff, mutual aid costs for reception centre accommodation, food and transportation, structural protections, and infrastructure damaged during the wildfire response.

“The Disaster Recovery Program will play a crucial role helping impacted municipalities and Metis Settlements recover,” says Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs.

“We will continue collaborating with local leaders, listening to their needs, and working together to support a swift and effective recovery.”

Alberta’s Disaster Recovery Program is used to help communities recover from extraordinary natural disasters, including the 2020 northern Alberta floods, the 2016 Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo wildfires, and the 2013 southern Alberta floods.