Presentation: Citizen Action on Alberta Wildfires, A Public Discussion

Thursday 21 March 2024
6:30 pm 8:30 pm 18:30 20:30

Ritchie Community League 7727 98 Street Northwest Edmonton, AB, T6E 5C9 (map)

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SAVE THE DATE!

Are you concerned about a repeat of last year’s fire season?

Do you have questions about how wildfires impact you and your family’s health?

Do you value dialogue with your neighbours on how we can advocate for better preparedness?

This event is open to all Ritchie members, and friends of Ritchie. There is no cost, and no need to RSVP. See you at the hall on March 21!

The 2023 Alberta wildfire scenario has been described as “unprecedented”, with over 2.2 million hectares of forest burned, extensive damage to human and non-human life and property, along with record negative air quality readings. Unfortunately, experts claim that this scenario may be similar or worse in 2024.

We hold our breaths nervously about another predicted long and intense Alberta wildfire season in 2024. Alberta Forestry and Parks maintain that they are prepared. However, there is a lot of doubt about that among experienced Alberta wildfire personnel, municipalities, and other experts.

Please attend this public event to:

hear the basics of wildfire in Alberta – damage, causes and responses
express your own views on the question of “what should we be doing to reduce the extent and damage of Alberta wildfires?”
contribute to public conversation and citizen oversight and input on the management of Alberta wildfires in 2024 and beyond

DOORS: 6:00pm

PRESENTATION: 6:30-8:30pm

Cost: $0

PRESENTED BY RITCHIE NEIGHBOUR RICHARD MERRY

For over 35 years, Richard has worked to reverse the destruction of our natural systems by consumerism, industrial activity and government policy. Since May 2023, he has closely followed Alberta wildfire activity and made efforts to mobilize ordinary citizens to speak out on wildfire impacts and the responsibility of government and industry in these impacts. He is conducting this Ritchie event, not as an expert in wildfire, but as one who believes in the power of the public and community to drive real progress in our society.

* To make this event really count, please review the links below as provided by our presenter. Most of these are media articles, but there is a wealth of detail that will be helpful for this public discussion on wildfires in Alberta.

Canada should be on 'high alert' for 2024 after record wildfire season: scientist (CP24)

Alberta wildfire warns of extreme fire risk heading into spring 2024 (Global News)

‘We are a skeleton crew out here’: UCP cuts led to disastrous Alberta wildfire situation (The Narwhal)

UCP Gutted Firefighter Programs (Project Calgary)

Cuts to Alberta elite aerial firefighting team came despite pleas to keep them in service | CBC News

Alberta gov't must reverse UCP cuts to wildfire fighting operations (AUPE)

Yellowhead County wants more proactive wildfire measures from province (CBC News)

Alberta to add firefighters for expected busy wildfire season: minister (CTV News)

Alberta committing more resources to battle wildfires in 2024 (CityNews Edmonton)

Alberta partnering with AI company to try to predict wildfires before they ignite (CTV News)

Prescribed fire (Gov’t of Alberta)

Alberta declares early start to wildfire season due to warm and dry weather (Global News)