Alberta making $175M wildfire recovery fund available for municipalities, Métis settlements

The Alberta government has approved a $175-million recovery program for municipalities and Métis settlements affected by wildfires.

Emergency Services Minister Mike Ellis says the communities can apply to get reimbursed for fire response costs, including volunteer firefighter wages, overtime payments and money to stock evacuation centres.

They can also apply for money to rebuild infrastructure that was damaged in order to put up barriers to keep fires at bay.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Ellis says there have been 786 fires in Alberta since the start of the fire season this year.

In the last two months, wildfires burned more than 14,000 square kilometres.

About 38,000 Albertans were forced from their homes.

3:19 Canada projected to have worst year of wildfire destruction

• Canada projected to have worst year of wildfire destruction
• Alberta wildfire-mapping tool points out where communities are at risk
• Fires, floods and tornadoes: Alberta’s extreme weather

Previous Video

Next Video