The Prince Albert Grand Council says forest mitigation crews are the “unsung heroes” of wildfire prevention.
The grand council says mitigation crews are already working across the north with about 100 people deployed.
The mitigation crews cut and thin dense forests months before wildfire season to reduce the risk of fires.
“This work is about prevention, not reaction,” said Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte in a statement posted on Thursday. “When mitigation is done properly, it can mean the difference between a wildfire being contained and a community being forced to evacuate.”
PAGC calls this work critical, but says the work is largely unseen.
“Our work doesn’t make headlinews,” said Isaac Custer, a forest mitigation crew leader. “If we do our job right, the fire may never become a disaster.”
According to research, areas where forest mitigation work is conducted can significantly reduce fire intesnity and improve fire safety.
(TOP PHOTO – a forest mitigation crew. Photo provided)