Enhanced support for local fire services

Feb 24, 2025

Strengthened local fire services with more support for training, response planning and greater collaboration will help keep Albertans and their communities safe.

Emergency situations bring an uncertainty that can leave the effect of stress and anxiety for many Albertans and their communities. Alberta’s local fire services hold a leading role in ensuring that Albertans and communities can navigate and make it through the uncertain times of an emergency through quick response and education around fire safety and prevention.

To further support municipalities in strengthening public safety during emergency situations, Alberta’s government is providing $585,000 to support municipal fire services and the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association (AFCA). In addition, Alberta’s government will establish a committee to strengthen ties between the provincial government, local governments and fire services to bolster public safety.

“We are committed to public safety and improving how we support our brave and dedicated fire services. We appreciate the valuable feedback we received during our fire service review and look forward to the ongoing dialogue and collaboration we’ll achieve through the Provincial Fire Liaison Committee.”

Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs

Municipalities and their local fire services are often the first line of defence for an emergency, which makes it essential that firefighters receive training reflective of industry best standards. To ensure firefighters have access to the best training, Alberta’s government is providing a one-time increase of $500,000 for the Fire Services Training Program, bringing total funding to $1 million for training grants this year. This funding is available to all municipalities, Metis Settlements, and First Nations communities in Alberta and will prepare firefighters with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate emergency situations.

“We appreciate the Government of Alberta’s commitment to strengthening local fire services. This investment will help ensure the safety of our residents, first responders, and communities. Together, we will build a stronger emergency response network to protect Albertans when they need it most.”

Bob Marshall, reeve, County of Grande Prairie

In addition to the funding available to municipalities, $85,000 will be provided to the AFCA to enhance their core competency tool, which municipalities can use to conduct risk assessments, develop appropriate fire service response plans and determine training needs. This new grant builds upon the Alberta government’s previous grant of $200,000 that was provided in 2024 to the AFCA to strengthen provincial fire reporting. Together, the core competency tool updates and improvements made to reporting will put municipal leaders in a better position to make well-informed decisions about local fire services and protection strategies for their communities.

“The government support provided here today to our municipalities will play a crucial role in enhancing the skills and training of Alberta firefighters, ultimately leading to safer communities and continuously enhancing emergency response.”

Chief Randy Schroeder, president, Alberta Fire Chiefs Association

To further support the role of municipal fire services in strengthening public safety, a provincial fire liaison committee that will be made up of municipal, First Nations, Métis and fire service representatives is also under development. The diversity of the representatives on the committee will ensure that a variety of demographics, community sizes, skill sets and fire department structures are considered as part of its work. The committee is anticipated to be in place later this year.

Quick facts

• In Alberta, municipalities are responsible for determining local fire service levels, organization, budgets and training.
• Examples of Municipal Affairs supports to Alberta’s fire services include:
  • Developing and implementing the provincial fire code.
  • Administering emergency responder service medals.
  • Administering the testing and certification for the fire service to the National Fire Protection Association Professional Qualification fire fighter standards.
  • Providing annual grants through the Fire Services Training Program.
• The AFCA promotes, supports and facilitates best practices in fire protection and related emergency services and advocates on behalf of fire chiefs and departments in Alberta.

Related information

• Fire Services Training Program

Related news

• Enhancing public safety with fire service grants (June 3, 2024)

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