Farmers hit by fall wildfires to receive help from Alberta government

Interest-free loans are being offered to ranchers and farmers who lost livestock and other property to October's wildfires across a vast region of southern Alberta.

The province says in a release that an assistance program is being set up through the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation that will provide aid to eligible producers for working capital, to cover expenses and replace lost property.

• Wildfires force multiple evacuations across southern Alberta
• Volunteer firefighter dies battling one of nearly a dozen wildfires in Alta., Sask.

As well, the government says its Wildfire Water Supply Program will be available to help replace watering systems damaged by the flames.

Information and applications will be available starting Jan. 8.

The wind-whipped fires burned about 350 square kilometres in the counties of Cypress and Acadia and killed nearly 200 head of cattle.

The government says beside livestock, the losses include pastures, fields, fences and buildings.