Although wildfires have always been a concern for those living in high-risk areas, climate change-related factors like drought and shifting weather patterns have made them an even bigger threat in recent years. However, thorough preparation can help you protect your property and ensure you’re ready for anything.
The right wildfire consultants can help take the guesswork out of the process, reinforce your peace of mind, and give you the valuable guidance you need to stay safe. Let’s dive into how.
What Are Wildfire Consultants?
Wildfire consultants are experienced professionals who help property owners prepare for the possibility of wildfires. Wildfire consultants assess properties for various risks, taking into consideration multiple contributing factors. They also actively develop and help implement strategies for mitigating those risks, including specialized examples based on trusted Firewise and FireSmart guidelines.
Key Services Provided by Wildfire Consultants
What are some of the pillar services wildfire consultants bring to the table? The following are some key examples.
Property risk assessments
A professional wildfire consultant approaches risk assessment by considering and analyzing the circumstances associated with a specific property. Individual factors may include but may not be limited to nearby road access, surrounding vegetation, the property’s unique characteristics, and the area’s weather pattern history.
Custom protection plans
Once a property’s risk assessment is complete, a wildfire consultant uses what they’ve learned to come up with a uniquely tailored plan to help manage wildfire risk. That plan may include fuel reduction strategies, like thinning efforts or prescribed burns. Infrastructure improvements, implementation of fire-resistant upgrades, and community preparedness initiatives may also be part of the mix.
Implementation of FireSmart and Firewise principles
Firewise is a national program designed to minimize the number of homes and properties damaged or destroyed by wildfires. FireSmart is a proactive approach aimed at getting communities prepared, adequately fortifying structures, and addressing potential terrain issues, such as flammable plant matter.
Wildfire consultants use guidelines associated with established programs like Firewise and FireSmart to accurately assess properties and come up with appropriate mitigation plans.
Why You Need Wildfire Consulting for Your Property
Bringing in a professional to assess your property and help you come up with a wildfire action plan carries many benefits. Here are a few important examples:
- Knowing you’ve got a professional’s take on your situation along with expert advice on how to proceed can give you peace of mind in the face of something as sobering as a wildfire.
- Wildfire consulting can potentially add up to robust insurance savings and other advantages, as it lowers your property’s risk of sustaining damage.
- Hiring a consultant can keep you compliant with important local fire prevention policies and regulations.
- The costs of hiring a consultant are a bargain compared to those associated with potential wildfire-related property loss or damage.
How to Choose the Right Wildfire Consultant
When evaluating various wildfire consultants, start by focusing on key qualifications like certification, experience, and past track record when it comes to serving other properties in your location.
A good candidate will also be personable, professional, and communicative. You should walk away from an interaction with the individual feeling confident in their abilities and like the future of your property is in good hands.
Some possible questions to ask a consultant you’re considering include:
- What is your experience assessing other properties in this area?
- What qualifications do you have when it comes to wildfire risk assessment and mitigation strategy?
- How do you stay current on the latest wildfire data, best practices, and research?
- What is your estimated timeline for completing your assessment of my property?
SPIEDR is one of Canada’s top wildfire risk assessment and action plan implementation companies for a reason. Not only do our FireSmart/Firewise-accredited experts have the training and local knowledge they need to offer accurate assessments every time, but we’re also a trusted source for fire fighting equipment, resources, training, and prevention plans that really work.
Ready to Hire a Wildfire Consultant?
If you own property in an area prone to wildfires, you can’t afford to leave your future up to chance. Take action, get prepared, and work with a qualified wildfire consultant to implement an action plan, so you can protect what you have.
Ready to take the next step? Contact SPIEDR and schedule a consultation with an experienced wildfire expert today!
