FortisAlberta’s Matt Noble: A volunteer firefighter with a commitment to keeping Albertans safe

Jun 1, 2025, 14:00 PM

Whether as a FortisAlberta employee or a volunteer firefighter, Matt Noble is often among the first to respond when wildfires threaten Alberta communities.

With more than a decade of experience in both roles, the expertise that Matt brings to each aligns with FortisAlberta and our shared commitment to public safety.

Matt began his career as a Power Line Technician (PLT) in Wetaskiwin. After two and a half years in the field, his leadership and technical skills earned him a lead role. He now oversees operations across Wetaskiwin, Rocky Mountain House, Rimbey and Lacombe as a Field Operations Supervisor. In this capacity, Matt supports his team in delivering safe and reliable electricity for thousands of Albertans.

In both his role as a firefighter and a leader at FortisAlberta, Matt prioritizes safety.

“I started as a volunteer firefighter 13 years ago,” Matt says. “I felt like I wanted to help people, it was almost as simple as that.”

Both of his roles have given him a unique set of experiences and perspectives on Alberta’s evolving wildfire landscape. As a PLT and volunteer firefighter, Matt has witnessed firsthand how wildfire seasons have become more intense, unpredictable and dangerous. This experience has deepened his appreciation for the importance of proactive planning and rapid response.

“Each year, the number of calls we respond to seems to break the record from the year before,” he says. “We’ve even seen air support in our area, something that was unheard of just a few years ago.”

In response to these growing threats, FortisAlberta has implemented more strategic and proactive wildfire prevention strategies. These include the use of advanced situational awareness tools, real-time weather monitoring and enhanced grid safety settings.

Among the many fires Matt has responded to, the 2024 Jasper wildfire stands out.

“It was the largest fire I’ve ever been involved in,” he recalls. “We had to pack up and leave on a moment’s notice for a week-long deployment. It was a humbling experience seeing how quickly Mother Nature can change lives and communities forever.”

Safety is always top of mind for Matt and his fellow firefighters.

“The number one rule is: don’t become the second victim. We train every Tuesday night at the fire hall, practicing all types of life-saving skills. We’re certified as Medical First Responders, which means we’re ready for a wide range of emergencies.”

Matt’s perspectives as a firefighter and FortisAlberta Field Operations Supervisor means that he has unique, firsthand knowledge to help FortisAlberta develop and implement advanced wildfire mitigation practices. In areas impacted by wildfire where FortisAlberta PLTs are on the ground supporting restoration efforts, Matt's leadership has been paramount in ensuring everyone's safety.

Also invaluable is the information he brings back to FortisAlberta's wildfire mitigation team to help advance our wildfire mitigation practices. This allows the company to adapt quickly to ensure its efforts reflect commitment to public safety and the 240 communities it serves.

“FortisAlberta has made huge strides in wildfire prevention,” he says. “It shows how much the company cares about our customers and where we operate. It’s also raised awareness with employees. Even off the clock, we’re very conscious of fire safety practices”

That awareness is something Matt hopes to pass on to customers as well.

“Think about the events of the last few years,” he says. “Ask yourself if having that backyard fire pit is worth it when conditions are in the red zone. One wrong decision can have a massive impact.”

Despite the intensity of his work, Matt remains humble about his role.

“I don’t talk much about being a firefighter,” he admits. “But one thing I will say is that rural communities depend on volunteer services. If you’re willing and able, departments are always looking for new people to join.”

Matt Noble is a community leader as a firefighter and a member of the FortisAlberta team helping to look after communities.

Learn more about FortisAlberta’s wildfire mitigation strategies at: www.fortisalberta.com/wildfiresafety.