Alberta government aiming to enhance public safety with fire service grants

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The government says It is vital that local fire services are equipped to respond safely and effectively to all emergencies, and firefighters are able to receive training in alignment with industry best practices. To ensure this, Alberta’s government says it provides ongoing support to municipal fire services through annual grants for fire services training. A total of $500,000 in grants through the Fire Services Training Program is said to be provided each year to help fire departments cover costs such as fire services course fees and training materials. All municipalities, Metis Settlements, and First Nations communities in Alberta are eligible for these grants, say government officials, which help prepare firefighters with the knowledge and skills they need to protect their communities.

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Government officials further note, that fire hazards, risks and responses change regularly and it is absolutely critical that local firefighters have all the information they need to be able to respond quickly, safely and efficiently. They say research is needed to help local firefighting experts identify the specific data they need, the best ways to collect it, and how municipalities can use it to mitigate risks.

To accomplish this work, a one-time $200,000 grant will help the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association to research and develop recommendations for how to strengthen provincial fire data reporting. The government says improving the quality of fire data reporting will put municipal leaders in a better position to make well-informed decisions about local fire services and protection strategies for their communities.

“We are encouraged by the Alberta Government’s commitment to supporting the AFCA’s Fire Services Data project, which involves researching a fire services data mechanism to enable data-driven decision-making,” adds Randy Schroeder, president, Alberta Fire Chiefs Association. “The $200,000 grant to enhance fire data reporting is a testament to the power of collaboration between the government and fire services.”

Alberta government quick facts

• In Alberta, municipalities are responsible for determining local fire service levels and organization, budgets and training.
• The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association promotes, supports and facilitates fire protection and related emergency services, and advocates on behalf of fire chiefs and departments in Alberta.

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