Wildfire preparedness guide: How to minimize fire and smoke damage

Here is a two-step approach to proactively create a defensible zone to protect your home from wildfires:

Wildfire defence zone one

Defence zone one falls within the first 10 metres surrounding your home. This area should be free of all flammable materials — including, but not limited to, dry grass and vegetation, firewood, fuel and combustible plants such as those with needles.

It is also recommended that any exterior properties, such as decks and sheds, be built of fire-resistant materials or, if possible, located more than 10 metres from your home.

In addition to being stored more than 10 metres away from your home, firewood should be stored in a fire-resistant box or covered with a fire-resistant tarp.

Opt for patio furniture that is made of non-combustible materials (i.e., metal) or keep these items away from your home.

Wildfire defence zone two

Your goal for the remainder of your property (defence zone two) is to reduce and properly maintain any vegetation that can help feed a wildfire.

Regularly remove dead or unhealthy plants, including roots and stumps, and also rake leaves and twigs. Thin and prune your trees so they are at least three to six metres apart. Regularly mow and water your grass.

In addition to creating a wildfire defence zone around your property, the following measures can help protect your property from wildfire damage:

• Inspect your chimney at least twice a year and ensure you are cleaning the chimney at least once a year. Keep the dampers in good working order.
• Invest in a portable air cleaner to keep indoor air pollution levels low in the event of smoky conditions.
• Regularly clean and clear debris from your roof and gutters as embers can easily set these alight.
• Use fire-resistant building materials if possible (i.e., metal or treated asphalt shingles, brick siding). Wood and vinyl are highly flammable.
• Tempered and thermal windows and doors can help minimize the likelihood of heat from a wildfire growing through the glass and igniting the inside of your property.
• Ensure any explosive materials (i.e., propane, gas) is properly stored and located at least six metres away from your home. Other fuel sources, like firewood, should be covered with fire-resistant covers.

How to secure your home in the event of a wildfire evacuation

• Close all windows and doors.
• Seal vents and openings.
• If possible, bring inside any patio furniture or other outdoor furniture.
• If you haven’t already, ensure any fuel sources (i.e., firewood, explosive materials) are located at least six metres away from your home.
• Water down the roof, the home’s exterior and immediate surrounding areas.
• Have your water hoses connected and ready for use.
• Turn off the gas.
• Ensure emergency services can easily access your property if needed. This means making sure your property is well marked, access is clear and that any gates are left open if possible.

Wildfire flames, smoke and firefighting techniques can all cause damage. The following tips can help you minimize this damage in the event a wildfire threatens your business property:

• Install and maintain fire suppression equipment: This should include a fire sprinkler or suppression system. Having fire extinguishers on hand, and employees trained to use them, is also suggested.
• Install fire-resistant materials: Using materials like tile, metal, brick, concrete stone or stucco on the exterior of your building(s) and roof can help mitigate fire damage. Any wood exterior finishes should be treated with an approved fire-retardant chemical. And you may want to consider installing fire-resistant window treatments or metal fire shutters.
• Prevent soot and smoke from entering: Keep all windows and doors closed if there is wildfire smoke in your vicinity. You may also want to consider using metal mesh on any exterior vents.
• Properly store all combustible materials: Explosive materials should be kept in proper storage containers and at least six metres away from other structures. Other fuel sources, like firewood, should be covered with fire-resistant covers.
• Proactively landscape and maintain surrounding vegetation: Prioritize using non-flammable landscaping such as rocks, stones and sand and, where possible, minimize having trees and greenery in close proximity of your building.

Wildfire evacuations: How to secure your business property

• Bring all property indoors, if possible.
• Close all windows and doors.
• Seal vents and openings.
• Water down the roof, structure and immediate surrounding areas.
• Have water hoses connected and ready for use.
• Turn off the gas.
• Shut down any equipment.
• Remove any essential equipment or materials, if possible.
• Ensure emergency services will be able to access your property if needed.
  • If your property is gated, leave the gates open, pointing inwards. If they are locked, ensure the fire department will be able to break the lock in the case of an emergency.
  • Make sure access to your property is clear and passable.
  • Make sure your property is clearly signed so that emergency services can easily find it.

Wildfires can directly or indirectly impact your operations; even if your property isn’t damaged, access to your location could be limited for an extended period of time due to evacuation orders. The following steps can help your business maintain a certain level of operation in the event of a wildfire:

• Be ready to have your team work remotely, making sure they have the necessary training and equipment in advance of a wildfire threat.
• Consider setting up a remote office or facility, if necessary and feasible.
• Cut all non-essential costs and/or apply for a temporary loan or grant, if available, to help with cashflow if necessary.
• Speak with your Acera Insurance broker regarding wildfire coverages that may be available to you through your commercial property and/or business interruption policies.

Minimize the impact of supply chain interruptions due to wildfires

Your business may be indirectly impacted by wildfires due to blazes causing interruptions along the supply chain. Proactively planning for potential supply chain interruptions can help your business minimize any down time. Here are some things you can do:

• Source backup suppliers.
• Diversify your supply base.
• Build up an inventory.
• Identify alternative transportation.
• Be prepared to communicate with clients in the event of a supply chain disruption.

Follow these proactive steps to protect your farm and livestock before the threat of a wildfire looms:

Prepare your farm buildings and livestock each wildfire season

• Remove or reduce vegetation that can easily ignite from around your livestock and buildings.
• Use fire-resistant materials on your buildings where possible (i.e., replace wood roof materials with metal shingles).
• Create a plan for how you can utilize sprinklers or hoses to protect priority buildings in the event of a wildfire. Also keep a close eye on your water supply during wildfire season and consider adding an irrigation ditch or pond for additional water resources.
• Ensure any above-ground fuel storage tanks are located at least 40 feet from all buildings.
• Create an evacuation plan for your animals in the event of a wildfire. You’ll want to consider various options, including sheltering livestock in a barn, moving livestock to an outdoor location on your property, relocating livestock off site or opening gates/cutting fences to free the animals to protect themselves.

• Determine which of the action plans listed above you will take to care for your livestock in the event of a wildfire. Ensure you provide food and water for animals that will not be evacuated.
• Put your sprinkler plan into action to protect the buildings you have identified as priorities.