A team from High Level, Alberta, conducted controlled burns near the town as part of their preparations for the upcoming fire season. High Level’s Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) crew, established seven years ago, is one of eight such teams in Alberta, with the others located in various regions across the province.
The team members are trained to handle both traditional structure fires and wildland firefighting tasks, focusing on areas that have previously had limited coverage. High Level serves as a significant evacuation hub for nearby regions during emergencies like wildfires and floods, accommodating evacuees and coordinating assistance for those in need.
Plans for a new multipurpose evacuation center in High Level are in progress, aiming to provide better facilities for evacuees and serve as a recreational space. However, funding challenges need to be addressed before the project can move forward.
Fire prevention efforts in High Level have been praised, with measures like creating fire guards around the town and conducting hazard reduction burns to mitigate risks in the forested surroundings. The WUI team plays a crucial role in these efforts, ensuring a prompt response to any potential wildfire threats in the area.