Air Operations Simulator Program
One important element of Alberta’s initial attack arsenal is the airtanker. Airtankers are used to keep a wildfire from spreading until ground crews can be brought in to extinguish it. Aerial firefighting is a highly specialized tactic in a very complex environment. Air Attack Officers are highly trained personnel that coordinate airtanker action, as well […]
How to Report a Wildfire
When it comes to fighting wildfires, timing is everything – the earlier we can get to a wildfire, the better. Prompt response can minimize losses and costs. To achieve this, the Wildfire Management Branch uses a variety of tools such as aerial detection, lookout observers, and lightning mapping systems to quickly detect wildfires. But we […]
Riding the Highs and Lows on the Lookout Tower
I’ll admit it. I’ve lost track of time. I can give you an up-to-the-minute weather report. I can tell you if it’s a burning day, or not. But, as I write this, I’m not sure if it’s Tuesday, or Wednesday. And I can’t tell you how long I’ve been out here. That may sound crazy, […]
The Season So Far: Fitness to FireSmarting
To work as a wildland firefighter in Canada you must complete a yearly fitness test called the WFX-Fit test. It’s a time-sensitive test created to assess your endurance and ability to carry heavy weights over difficult terrain. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the job, the test favours the tall and those of us who […]
Hello from your Dispatcher in Edson
The role of Wildfire Dispatcher is a diverse one! Dispatchers are responsible for taking appropriate actions to move, place or direct resources to a wildfire. Their goal is to ensure that wildfire situations are handled as efficiently and safely as possible. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry has 60 dispatchers positioned across the province to move, place […]
Alberta Wildfire 