The Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) administers the Community Fireguard Program (CFP), a grant funded initiative with the Government of Alberta to support the Provincial FireSmart Program by supporting the construction of community fireguards that provide for enhanced public safety and improved protection of at-risk communities.
FRIAA is currently inviting prospective applicants, including municipalities, to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for participation in the CFP. This EOI is intended to enable and support applicants in the development of an operational plan and eventual fireguard construction, under the CFP. Operational plans are expected to be advanced in August 2026 to enact vegetation/fuel management projects relating to the construction of large fireguards, so that construction (clearing) may occur during Fall/Winter 2026/2027.
In collaboration with FRIAA, short-listed applicants will also participate in a community fireguard planning committee, from approximately May through August 2026. With the support of a wildfire planning consultant, the committee is also expected to have representation from the local Alberta Wildfire office, community fire emergency response, elected leadership and industry (forestry).
Under the CFP, the following eligible activities may be considered by an applicant:
- Planning (e.g., design, technical review, mapping, ground truthing, permitting, consultation); and,
- Vegetation/Fuel management (e.g., complete vegetation removal in the construction of fireguards/fuel breaks including maintenance activities such as agricultural grazing)
Proposal submissions are due no later than 4:00 pm MST on February 15, 2026.
Additional resources and details, including regarding EOI requirements related to FRIAA’s CFP are available here.
A virtual information session will also be held on Friday January 30th at 10:00 am MST. Click here for further details.
Bezawit Lemma
Policy & Research Analyst
825.319.2280
bezawit@rmalberta.com
Warren Noga
Manager of Policy and Research
825.319.2285
warren@rmalberta.com