Alberta will spend more than $4 million this year to test new technologies to detect and fight wildfires.

In particular, the government wants to evaluate the use of a gel water system, a large-volume water distribution system, wildfire detection cameras and drones.

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshe says the safety of Albertans and their communities is a priority.

We will use new tools and methods to fight wildfires, including artificial intelligence.

Wildfire information officer Travis Fairweather says the province is always striving to improve firefighting. Sometimes we find that new technologies don’t work. That’s why we have to evaluate them.

Alberta wildfire points out that a large-volume water distribution system that can put out fires using cannons and sprinklers is already being tested.

The province also has two helicopters that can fight fires using water in the form of a gel that reduces the oxygen available to a fire.

Alberta begins installing detection cameras. Their images are transmitted to a computer system that can alert firefighters.

The province is considering using drones to investigate the causes of fires and travel to areas too dangerous for firefighters. They are sometimes cheaper than helicopters, says Travis Fairweather.

Alberta wildfire says it will complete an assessment of new technologies based on their effectiveness and potential costs at the end of this year’s wildfire season.

With information from Rick Donkers