Wildfire Safety: How to Prepare Your Home and Family -

Photo Credit: Cindy Macpherson Orbit Insurance

As wildfire seasons grow longer and more intense across Canada, the need for proactive safety measures has never been greater. In 2023, wildfires displaced thousands and scorched record-breaking areas of forest, while 2024 brought the second costliest fire event in Canadian history. Whether you live near wooded areas or in an urban centre affected by smoke, every Canadian can take steps to reduce risk and stay safe.

To help guide your wildfire preparedness, we’re sharing five expert tips from Nathan Ashfield of the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association, along with additional advice to protect what matters most.

1. Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home

Creating defensible space is one of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk. This buffer area helps prevent flames from reaching your home.

Clear leaves, dead grass, and flammable debris at least 30 feet from your home.
Trim branches so they’re at least 10 feet away from chimneys and other trees.
Store firewood and combustibles like propane tanks or gas cans well away from buildings.

These simple actions help slow the spread of fire and protect first responders working to save your property.

2. Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials

When building or renovating, your choice of materials can make a huge difference in a fire event.

Choose Class A fire-rated materials for your roof and siding.
Install spark arresters on chimneys to block escaping embers.
Cover all vents with metal mesh to prevent embers from entering your home.

A single ember can ignite a home in minutes. These preventive measures help reduce the chance of ignition.

3. Maintain Landscaping Responsibly

Your lawn and garden should act as a fire barrier—not fuel.

Use fire-resistant plants and keep lawns healthy and hydrated.
Mow regularly and remove dry grass or weeds.
Avoid wood mulch near your home; instead, use gravel or stone around the foundation.

Regular maintenance can be the difference between a fire that burns out and one that spreads uncontrollably.

4. Practice Safe Equipment Use

Simple equipment use—especially during hot, dry, and windy conditions—can unintentionally spark a wildfire.

Never mow dry grass or use power tools on high-risk days.
Avoid dragging trailer chains and ensure vehicle exhaust systems aren’t near dry brush.
Store fuel safely and dispose of oily rags in proper containers.

Being mindful of equipment use is an easy yet powerful way to prevent human-caused wildfires.

5. Report Suspicious or Unsafe Behavior

If you spot fire risks in your community, speak up—it could save homes or lives.

Report illegal burns, fireworks, or suspicious behavior to local authorities.
Follow burn bans and fire restrictions in your region.
Encourage neighbours to follow FireSmart or Firewise practices.

These tips were originally featured in a great post from Orbit Insurance—read their full article here: 👉 Prepare for the Chance of a Wildfire

Wildfire Preparedness: Be Ready Before the Risk

Wildfires can escalate quickly, often leaving little time to prepare. That’s why having a plan and emergency kit ready ahead of time is so important.

Build a 72-Hour Emergency Kit:

Water and non-perishable food
Battery-powered flashlight and radio (plus extra batteries)
First-aid kit and personal medications
Important documents (ID, insurance, financial records)
Cash in case ATMs or card systems are down

Have an Emergency Plan:

Establish evacuation routes and meeting points
Plan for pets and dependents
Keep your vehicle’s gas tank at least half full during fire season

If an evacuation order is issued, follow instructions immediately—even if you haven’t completed all the steps above. Your safety is the top priority.

After the Fire: What to Do When You Return

Once it’s safe to return home, take precautions:

Inspect for structural damage and avoid weakened floors or roofs
Wear protective clothing when checking your property
Discard any food, medicine, or water exposed to heat, smoke, or soot
Document damage with photos or video for insurance claims
Keep receipts for evacuation-related expenses

Wildfires Affect Us All

Even if your home is far from a wildfire zone, drifting smoke can still impact your health. Poor air quality increases the risk of respiratory and heart issues. If an air quality advisory is issued in your area:

Stay indoors and limit physical activity
Use air purifiers if possible
Keep windows closed and your HVAC system on recirculate