Fire Safety
With the arrival of cooler temperatures and snow-crested trees Alberta marks the end of a record-breaking wildfire season. Wildfires are an increasing concern for Discovery Ridge and the pristine wilderness bordering our community.
It was an early start to the 2024 wildfire season with the first fire ban issued in February. Alberta responded to more than 1,210 wildfires with more than 705,000 hectares burned – making it a record-breaking wildfire season. “The 2024 wildfire season underscored the importance of early planning and preparation,” said Trevor Lamabe, executive director Wildfire Management Branch. “Investments in people, resources, and new technology proved invaluable in our response efforts.”
Here in Discovery Ridge a small group of committed volunteers has taken note of these trends and the need for community preparedness. The DRCA Wildfire Safety Committee will be taking a closer look at community best-practices with the goal of rolling out a wildfire awareness campaign in the Spring/Summer of 2025.
Meanwhile the Alberta Government is looking at larger measures in its efforts to protect the province’s landscape and communities – including a $19 million investment in the Community Fireguard Program, supporting FireSmart Alberta initiatives. Administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA) the program works to protect high risk communities by clearing the area near or surrounding a community that breaks the path of a wildfire to cut it off from fuel sources that could potentially drive it towards property, infrastructure, or other values at risk. The funding also includes dollars for two additional airtanker groups and two new night vision-equipped helicopters.
“We will continue to adapt and strengthen our wildfire management strategies to protect our communities and natural resources,” said Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. Alberta Wildfire says over the past five years, an average of 67 percent of wildfires have been caused by people.
2024 Alberta Wildfire Facts – Source: Alberta Wildfire
• Alberta Wildfire responded to more than 1,210 wildfires this year with more than 705,000 hectares burned.
• In 2023, there were 1,080 wildfires and more than 2.2 million hectares burned.
• Alberta Wildfire had almost 1,900 firefighters, contractors, and support staff working on Alberta’s provincial response.
• Alberta Wildfire also received assistance from other agencies with more than 1,300 firefighters and support staff arriving from around the world to assist.
• While most wildfires were caused by people, Alberta had 410 lightning-caused wildfires in July, the highest number in 20-years.
New! Discovery Ridge Wildfire Safety Committee
This winter a group of community volunteers will be looking at the issue of wildfire safety in Discovery Ridge with the goal of examining community best-practices and rolling out a wildfire safety awareness campaign in the spring/summer of 2025. Please reach out to the Discovery Ridge Community Association (DRCA) at [email protected] if you can bring leadership or lend your support to this volunteer committee.
DRCA Board Changes
After an extended period of time as a very dedicated DRCA volunteer and as the DRCA Membership Coordinator, Ameeta Cordell has retired from the DRCA board. Ameeta will be greatly missed but we wish her the best of luck in her new volunteer endeavours and know we will always see her out and about at our community events. Thank you Ameeta!
Returning to the DRCA after some time away is Alana Adams. Alana was an integral part of the board, and we are thrilled to have her back.
We are also very pleased to welcome four new Discovery Ridge residents who have stepped up to volunteer for the DRCA and the board. Please join us in welcoming and thanking Hend Elkaliouby, Jose Alvarado, Kiel Douglas, and Sheldon Brow.
Hend is our new Volunteer Coordinator and is assisting on the Communications Committee as well. Jose will largely focus on community safety matters, and Kiel on traffic matters. Sheldon is currently assisting with our insurance work and will take on other items in the future as well.
It takes many volunteers to keep our community as special as it is. Thank you to those who have stepped up. More hands make for lighter work, as the saying goes! If you are interested in getting involved at any level, please reach out to us at
Wildlife Affected Area Designation
The City of Calgary advised the DRCA that they have lifted the Wildlife Affected Area designation for Discovery Ridge as of November 15.
While this means the bylaw will not be in effect, we strongly encourage all residents to always handle their bins and food waste with great care and consideration for wildlife and resident safety.
Click here to the Discovery Ridge Community News home page for the latest Discovery Ridge community updates.
