Implementation of wildfire risk management by local governments in Alberta, Canada

This study examined the implementation of wildfire mitigation by local governments in Alberta, Canada. Written surveys and telephone interviews with participants in 18 municipalities were combined with additional in-person interviews within two of these municipalities. Many participating local governments were completing emergency preparedness plans, infrastructure measures, education, wildfire hazard assessments on public and private land, and vegetation management. Few were implementing land-use planning and structural mitigation measures on local government buildings. Factors that influenced implementation of wildfire mitigation measures included issue advocates, communication with internal and external stakeholders, financial and human resources, support from higher levels of government, and biophysical and demographic characteristics. Recommendations for encouraging the implementation of wildfire mitigation by local governments are provided.