Wildland fire preparedness tips

June 1, 2022 - Defence Stories

Over the past 10 years, Canada has witnessed a serious and sustained increase in extreme wildland fire behavior and wildland-urban interface (WUI) events resulting in threats to life, property and natural resource values being amplified. Impacts to people and communities across the country are increasing. While Canada is internationally renowned for its wildland fire response capabilities, Canadian jurisdictions are reaching the limits of what existing suppression resources can achieve. Our success with suppression should not be understated, but managing widland fire in the face of growing challenges will continue to put increasing pressure on suppression capacity. An equivalent focus and commitment must also be made toward the shared responsibility for, and marked progress on, prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

Here are a few tips to prevent, minimize and protect yourself in the event of a wildland fire:

• Recognize when the danger of a wildfire starting and spreading is higher. High fire danger conditions include high winds, low humidity, drought, and elevated temperatures. Local authorities may issue a “red flag warning” to alert you to these conditions.
• Prevent ignitions by being careful with outdoor burning, including campfires, or avoiding any outdoor burning on high fire days. Comply with official burn bans.
• Avoid using lawn equipment on hot, dry, windy days.
• Do not throw out cigarettes into vegetation, potted plants or Landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, mulch, leaves, or other similar items— they can easily catch fire.
• Make sure your vehicle’s tail pipe or towing chain does not drag or cause sparks.
• Wildfires can spread to homes from blowing embers and flames. Maintain your home and landscape to reduce the chance of embers and flames igniting material on or near the home.

To prepare for evacuation because of a wildfire, every household should:

1. Create a plan for evacuation. This should include knowing alternate routes out of the danger area and having pre packed kits with essentials such as medicine, family records, credit cards, a change of clothing and enough food and water for each household member for up to 72 hours.
2. Create a family communication plan that designates an out-of-area friend or relative as a point of contact to act as a single source of communication among family members in case of separation.
3. Prepare a plan for the care of pets and other animals.
4. Sign up for wildfire alerts. Get alerts when a wildfire is reported in your area or within 50 KM of you.
5. Take steps to protect family, friends, or neighbors who have disabilities. People with disabilities sometimes require assistance and additional lead time in order to prepare for a disaster.
6. Stay aware of local fire conditions and, if needed, be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. When told to evacuate, go promptly. If you feel unsafe, do not wait for an evacuation order — leave immediately. Do not return home until directed by emergency personnel.

For more information, please visit: Canadian Wildland Fire Information System.