The Discovery Ridge Community Association (DRCA) continues to work closely and constructively with the City of Calgary and the Calgary Fire Department (CFD) regarding concerns about the potential risk of wildfire in and around Griffith Woods and the possible impact such an event could have on our community.
Most recently, representatives of the DRCA met with CFD to further discuss these concerns and to learn more about the City’s new wildfire prevention and preparedness program. The development of this program has been influenced, in part, by the DRCA’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the unique risks faced by communities such as Discovery Ridge, where homes are located immediately adjacent to significant natural areas.
“If nature is next door, wildfire is a risk.”
CFD is encouraging residents and communities to take practical steps that can reduce the likelihood of injury, property damage and fire spread.
What Residents Can Do
CFD is encouraging residents who live near natural areas to take practical steps around their properties. These include managing combustible materials around the home, storing propane tanks, firewood, and yard waste a safe distance from structures, and considering ignition-resistant materials when undertaking renovations or exterior improvements.
Responsible behaviour within Griffith Woods and other natural areas is equally important. Residents and visitors should ensure smoking materials are fully extinguished and disposed of safely, confirm whether a fire ban is in effect before starting any permitted outdoor fire, and remember that fireworks may not be used without the appropriate permit. In the event of a fire or other emergency, residents should call 9-1-1. Non-emergency concerns involving outdoor fires can be reported through 311.
Calgary Is Building Wildfire Resilience
CFD also emphasized that the City continues to strengthen its preparedness for wildfires and fires occurring where natural areas meet residential neighbourhoods.
CFD maintains specialized wildland and interface firefighting capabilities and conducts training in areas where this type of risk exists, including Discovery Ridge and Nose Hill. CFD also works with the Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Parks & Open Spaces, and other City departments on emergency planning, preparedness, and measures intended to reduce wildfire risk.
For Discovery Ridge residents, this ongoing work is encouraging. The DRCA will continue its dialogue with the City and CFD, advocate for the safety of our community, and ensure that the particular risks associated with Griffith Woods remain part of the broader conversation about wildfire preparedness in Calgary.
Wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. By combining City planning and emergency response capabilities with sensible precautions at the household and community level, we can help reduce the likelihood of a wildfire occurring and lessen its potential impact should one occur.
Key Messages from CFD
- Everyone plays a role. Wildfire, grass fires, and outdoor fires are shared risks. Residents and communities have a role alongside City planning, preparedness, and emergency response.
- Reduce risk around your home. Manage flammable materials, store propane, firewood, and yard waste away from structures, and consider ignition-resistant materials when renovating.
- Use natural areas responsibly. Safely dispose of smoking materials, check fire bans, do not use fireworks without a permit, and report emergencies to 9-1-1 or non-emergency outdoor fire concerns to 311.
- The City continues to build resilience. CFD maintains specialized wildland and interface response capabilities, trains in interface zones such as Discovery Ridge, and works with CEMA, Parks & Open Spaces, and other City partners.
More information: www.calgary.ca/wildfire
The DRCA will continue to keep residents informed as further information becomes available.