With the wildfire season underway in Canada and 730 fires already burning 1.47 million hectares of land, officials are warning Canadians of the significant risk of damaging wildfires. To protect their homes from the worst effects of wildfires, homeowners can take several steps recommended by experts at the Intact Centre for Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo. These steps include maintaining a fire-ready property, removing combustible ground cover, storing firewood away from the residence, and pruning trees to create a clearance from the ground to the lowest branches.
The second step involves making simple upgrades to the home, such as replacing weather stripping on doors, adding non-combustible screening to vents, and installing fire-resistant cladding materials on exterior walls, as recommended by Natural Resources Canada. More complex upgrades may involve working with a contractor to install fire-resistant roof covering, siding, windows, and exterior doors. While these upgrades may cost between $300 and $30,000, experts emphasize their importance in protecting the home from wildfires. The goal is to prevent the spread of fire and minimize damage to the property.
The wildfire forecast for May shows high or extreme fire severity in Saskatchewan and Alberta, with above-normal fire activity expected in other regions. By June, areas of heightened monitoring will expand to cover Northwest Territories, Yukon, and British Columbia. Wildfires can be among the costliest weather events in terms of damage, with last year’s wildfires in British Columbia costing over $720 million. The Insurance Bureau of Canada advises Canadians to review their insurance policies before severe weather strikes, as standard policies typically cover damage caused by wildfires and provide protection for the home, contents, outbuildings, and additional living expenses during evacuation.
By taking steps to protect their homes from wildfires, homeowners can also potentially reduce their insurance premiums in the long run. Rob du Pruis, national director of consumer and industry relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada, emphasizes the importance of preventing claims through proactive measures. Any efforts to mitigate the risk of wildfires, such as creating defensible space around the home and investing in fire-resistant materials, are likely to benefit homeowners in terms of reducing insurance costs and minimizing the potential for costly damages. Overall, the message is clear: investing in wildfire protection measures is a small price to pay for safeguarding one’s biggest investment in life.
