'Sitting on a tinder box': Rocky View County considering fireguard west of Bragg Creek

Advertisement 1 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Breadcrumb Trail Links HomeNewsLocal News 'Sitting on a tinder box': Rocky View County considering fireguard west of Bragg Creek Risk assessments determined Bragg Creek is one of Alberta's most vulnerable communities when it comes to wildfires Author of the article: By Scott Strasser Published Sep 21, 2026 Last updated 1 hour ago 6 minute read Join the conversation Work on the Lake Louise Community Fire Guard project was underway to the west of the community on Feb. 12, 2025. A similar project is proposed for the area west of Bragg Creek. Gavin Young/Postmedia file Article content Rocky View County and the Alberta government are proposing a community fireguard west of Bragg Creek to help protect the high-risk, wooded hamlet from a potential wildfire. Article content The proposed fireguard would be located on provincial Crown land to the west of county limits, between Township Road 232 and Highway 66. Article content Article content The county is advancing the proposal in partnership with Alberta Forestry and Parks and Alberta Wildfire. Article content Article content A community fireguard is an area where trees, vegetation and other wildfire fuels are removed or trimmed to help slow the spread and intensity of a wildfire. Fireguards can also provide firefighters with safer strategic areas to respond to approaching flames and help protect nearby people, homes and critical infrastructure, according to the county. Article content Noon News Roundup Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. Sign Up By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Article content Earlier this year, Rocky View County council directed administration to submit an expression of interest to the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta for its Community Fireguard Program. Rocky View County has submitted a funding application since then and is awaiting a response. Article content Division 1 Coun. Kevin Hanson, the representative for Bragg Creek and area, said wildfire mitigation has become a larger provincial priority — particularly since the devastation of Jasper two years ago, when one-third of the community was lost to fire. Article content He noted the province’s recent risk assessments determined Bragg Creek is one of Alberta’s most…