We’re now in the heart of wildfire season in the Yukon and across Canada. During this time of year, a day that starts with clear skies and calm conditions can quickly take a dangerous turn with a spark or gust of wind. While there’s no controlling the weather, there are ways you can make your home and community safer from wildfire threats – particularly in wildfire-prone areas surrounded by forest, grassland or bush.
Insurance is built on the principle that many contribute so that when disaster strikes, those affected aren’t left to face it alone. The same concept applies to wildfire preparedness: when we all take steps to reduce risk at home, we help protect our neighbours and communities as a whole.
Community-wide projects, such as those driven by the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon, are essential in helping protect shared trails, green belts and public land. But these programs can only go so far; they need to be matched by each of us doing our part in our own yards, driveways and business lots. While clearing gutters, spacing out trees, removing dry brush and keeping grass trimmed may seem to be minor efforts, they are powerful when done at scale.
At Acera Insurance, our advisors are here to provide the expertise, guidance and support you need to protect what matters most. Here are five steps you can take today to make your home or business more wildfire-resilient.
Five steps to improve your wildfire resilience at home and work
1. Clear combustibles within 1.5 metres of structures.
Remove flammables near walls, fences and decks. This includes dry leaves, firewood, brush piles and materials stored along buildings.
2. Trim and maintain vegetation regularly.
Cut grass short, prune tree branches up to two metres from the ground, and remove dead or dying plants. Leave sufficient distance between trees and structures to slow fire spread.
3. Clean roofs, gutters and vents.
Wind-blown embers often land on roofs and gutters. Regularly remove debris and install screens on vents to keep embers out of your attic or crawl space.
4. Reinforce your structures.
Where possible, choose fire-resistant roofing and siding. Seal up gaps, replace broken vents or shingles, and reduce flammable material around the base of buildings.
5. Leverage local support programs.
Take advantage of resources from the City of Whitehorse and the Government of Yukon. These programs offer assessments, cost-sharing, and clear guidance for homeowners and businesses.
Building wildfire resilience together
Every cleared yard, upgraded vent and trimmed tree makes a difference. Resilience is built from the ground up when individual actions align with broader initiatives. By tending to our own properties, we help close the gap that community projects alone can’t cover. The more of us who act now, the safer our communities will be when the next threat arrives.
Dayna Woodford is a Senior Client Executive and leader of the Whitehorse branch at Acera Insurance. With more than 20 years of commercial insurance experience, she brings specialized expertise serving clients in education, real estate, construction, the public sector and Indigenous governments.
Connect with Dayna at 867.668.8031 or dayna.woodford@acera.ca.
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