Wildfire fighting won't be spared resources, Notley says

Premier Rachel Notley repeated Wednesday her assertions that Alberta will supply everything needed to fight wildfires, despite a significant dip in this year's wildfire suppressionbudget.

"Resources that are allocated to firefighting will be maintained, and every single resource that we require to fight fires in this province this summer will be expended," she told the legislature.

"All we are doing is managing and projecting the budget on the same basis, the same assumptions that had been done previously. If the demand is greater, we will meet the demand."

• Wildfire suppression budget cuts could endanger province, says air tanker company
• Paul First Nation wildfire evacuation to be lifted Wednesday

Last year,the government budgeted $470,564,000 for the wildfire management program.The government has set aside $86,394,000 in the 2016 budget. The government spent $225,750,000 in the 2014-15 fiscal year.

The vice-president ofAir Spray, a companythat provides the government with air tanker services, said they have been put on a 93-day retainer contract that ends Aug. 16. Previously they were contracted for 123 days.

A spokesman for Conair, another air tanker provider, confirmed his company is facing the same situation.

Jeff Berry, Conair's director of business development, said his company is talking tothe Alberta government about the negative effects of this decision.

"The cuts effectively make the air tanker program unsustainable," he said in an email to CBC News.

'Playing chicken with Mother Nature'

A dry winter and an early spring have created conditions that have already sparked wildfires around the province.

Wildrose Leader Brian Jean accused the government of "playing chicken with Mother Nature."

"Has the Premier found a way to mandate fewer fires, or is this just government's new policy to let Alberta burn?" he asked.

Notley said the government is using a base level for the budget and will add funding if necessary.

She said there are currently 654 firefighters, 67 helicopters, 85 pieces of heavy equipment, and six air tanker groups fighting wildfires.

"We have 29 contracts in place with those air tankers, and I am sure that we will have contracts in place for as long as we need them," Notleysaid.

"And to be clear, every resource will be expended that is needed. That is what we have committed to."