Ranchers and farmers are playing a pivotal role in pushing back the Alberta fires tearing through parts of the west-central portion of the province and Peace Country and staying behind in evacuation zones to do so.
But some who are in the agricultural communities hardest hit by the wildfires say they are being treated more as a liability rather than an asset despite having the equipment, experience and motivation to protect assets that have been generations in the making.
Despite the risk, and with high temperatures on the horizon, many ranchers and farmers are vowing to remain and fight the fires.
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Asked about integrating the agricultural community into the response, Josee St-Onge, Alberta Wildfire information officer, said firefighting is complicated and dangerous.
“While we understand that people do want to take action and protect their properties, we’re not in a position where we can easily integrate volunteers into our ranks,” she said during the May 12 daily briefing. “If people are interested in helping out . . . we’ll assess their qualifications and have those volunteers join our firefighters when it’s been deemed safe to do so.”
St-Onge said such individuals interested in volunteering should reach out via email through emergencysupportoffers@gov.ab.ca.
Jason Hale, deputy minister of agriculture, said as a rancher himself, he understands the stress involved in these circumstances, but emergency response officials need to prioritize the personal safety of individuals and supports are and will be made available through Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC).
“We do have supports to our producers, we’re working very closely with AFSC. They have deadlines they are looking at extending, programs we are looking at enhancing and we as a government will continue to work hand-in-hand with our ag producers,” he said.
Alberta Beef Producers has an interactive map identifying areas able to host livestock as well as Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies and Alberta Auction Markets Association are providing space.
A listing of agricultural resources can be found on the Government of Alberta wildfire emergency updates webpage at www.alberta.ca/emergency.aspx under the Agriculture and livestock supports tab.
Contact alex.mccuaig@producer.com
