Marie Lake can now say it’s officially a Fire Smart community. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry handed over the title of “Fire Smart Community” last week during a Wildfire Community Preparedness event. Marie Lake is one of just seven communities to receive the honour.
Fire Smart communities are places that have taken extra steps to limit the danger of a wildfire. In the case of Marie Lake, it included completing a community assessment report. A safety plan was worked on between the community and Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority as well as Cold Lake Fire. Individual property owners also helped with clearing any debris that may cause or spread a fire from their land.
The community also took into consideration fires located nearby in the past, including Primrose Lake in 2015. More on the Fire Smart program can be found on their website.