Preparing for wildfires isn’t something to overlook, and can mean the difference between life and death. It is important to be cognizant of the various wildfire preparedness strategies available so you can be proactive and ready should a wildfire arrive in your area. Last year alone, British Columbia had the most destructive wildfire year on record. BC wildfire prevention comes down to always camping responsibly and putting out campfires with either eight liters of water or covering it in enough dirt with a shovel. Other wildfire safety tips include removing any fire hazards around your home and making sure you have a functioning sprinkler and smoke detectors.
Being prepared when a wildfire hits is also key, as coming up with emergency evacuation plans by having an emergency supply kit, prepping your home, and knowing your escape routes ahead of time will lower the chances of risking your and your family’s lives. You can also go online to do a wildfire risk assessment of your home and community to address potential shortcomings so you can all be ready.
Understanding Wildfire Risk in British Columbia
There are plenty of factors contributing to wildfires, such as human activities, dry organic material, heat, and more. Climate change impact and other factors have created an uptick in historical wildfire trends, creating more intense fires in British Columbia with an average of 1,483 fires from 2012-2022. Mostly caused by lightning strikes and human factors, it’s a good idea to consult the BC government website to see if you are in one of the fire forest danger zones and plan accordingly. It changes daily and lists the four fire danger class ratings ranging from low, to moderate, high, and extreme.
The majority of wildfires are caused by lighting during periods of extreme heat, by igniting dried-out leaves and branches. There are, of course, limits to what a single civilian can do with a proper wildfire risk assessment in BC. But putting out campfires, and removing dry materials like certain woods that could be ignited is a good start. Raking dry grass and leaves around your home and properly disposing of it year long is another small step you can take.
Essential Components of a Wildfire Preparedness Plan
While you can only do so much for prevention, you have more control in being prepared for a wildfire. There are several components of a wildfire preparedness plan to keep in mind. First, it’s good to have an app connected to early detection systems for wildfires so you can be immediately alerted when there’s one near your area. You should also consult with your family and community so you know the evacuation routes to take in such a case. While you may have a main route, it’s important to consider several alternative routes as well in case one is less than optimal in an emergency. Be on the lookout for any downed power lines or trees that may obstruct your evacuation route.
It’s important that your entire family is in on the plan and knows what to do. You don’t want panic and confusion to take hold during an emergency. Make sure to keep track of updates through your radio and phone so you have the latest information and can act accordingly. Make sure you also have a to-go bag with essential supplies like a first aid kit, food, water, chargers, batteries, and additional clothing. Along with any other important items you can think of like important family memorabilia that’s irreplaceable. Make sure you always have enough gas in your car so you are ready to go at a moment’s notice.
There are also resources and information available through wildfire protection plans like the community wildfire resiliency plan. It consults with communities in British Columbia with advice and tools so you can be prepared. You should check if your local community has one and get involved if you can. One piece of advice they recommend is to have fire-resistant landscaping around your home to reduce the risk of fires enveloping your home.
Best Practices for Homeowners and Communities
To have a fire-smart home, you should have an emergency preparedness checklist on hand so you have a list of all the things you need to be addressed. You should be knowledgeable of the three home ignition zones so you can mitigate the risks to your home during a wildfire. Starting with the immediate zone, 0 to 1.5 metres from your home, choose fire-resistant building materials when constructing your home, clear any combustible material and vegetation with noncombustible material and avoid the planting of woody trees. In the intermediate zone, 1.5 to 10 meters from your home, consider fire-resistant landscaping, avoid having woody material in this area, and make sure other combustible items are in the extended zone. It is 10 to 30 meters, and you should clean and take care of trees and other greenery that could be ignited.
Make sure you have an extra layer of protection through wildfire insurance coverage by researching the policy that works best for you. You should keep records of items that could be damaged in a wildfire like receipts and proof of purchase. Have it with you when you evacuate so you can refer to them during the insurance claim process. For the home itself, it’s important to know how to properly turn off all utilities in case of a power outage. You should turn off any gas, and keep your home properly sealed to avoid smoke from coming in, as well as keep the doors unlocked so you can get back in when the evacuation is rescinded.
Government and Community Resources for Wildfire Preparedness
There are plenty of BC wildfire prevention resources available to ensure you and your community are ready. The BC Wildfire Service is one of several government agencies that have resources available through its prevention program. This includes guidelines for open fires and tells what is prohibited and restricted. There is also the more comprehensive FireSmart initiative which provides a plethora of resources for wildfire preparedness including community grants to help fund it.
They also provide a variety of wildfire training programs including an online course for homeowners and courses and workshops for those in local governments and emergency response. Your community can take advantage of emergency response funding and grants and help you, your neighbors, and your leaders to prepare for the worst. Your neighborhood can even take the initiative through the FireSmart program by contacting one of their reps and creating an assessment and plan to reduce the risks in your community.
It is important to take all the necessary actions for your family, home, and community to lower the risk of wildfires, and be ready should one roll in. Luckily, we have several products available that can provide your home with extra protection, including our sprinkler kits, which you can install around your property to extinguish embers on contact, creating a barrier. We have plenty of products for homeowners, businesses, and emergency responders. Leave nothing to chance by taking advantage of the tools, people, and official government resources available.
