The program was also intended to move the provision of ground fire fighters into the private sector over a five year period. The list is but a few of the many issues encountered. This privatization plan is now being reviewed. The current level of funding for the Forest Protection Program in Alberta is at a relatively lower level than other Prairie provinces on comparative basis. Here may lie the argument for Alberta to have a larger pre-suppression budget.
Investment is made prior to severe situations in order to reduce the cost and impact of large fires.
The availability of funding at critical times over the fire season is key since the amount and cost of services required to support sustained wildfire suppression action can be very high. A full description of resource commitment and availability requires data from 1998 with respect to certified positions and staffing levels, which has not been available from the database systems that support the Forest Protection Division. A solution to this issue is needed. Air tankers were out of position during critical situations due to action in more northerly community area which are not within the provincial forest.