When wildfires approached Jasper this summer, a row of townhouses on the edge of town served as an impressive example of proactive resilience. Fire protection specialists installed sprinkler lines, keeping the structures wet and safeguarding them against flying embers and encroaching flames. It is a simple but effective approach – those homes survived unscathed.
While not every homeowner can, or needs to, implement such measures, it’s a reminder that everyone can take steps to protect their property. Small actions can have a big impact, and homeowners can work toward building resilience, reducing risks and mitigating potential damage.
The past two years have provided stark reminders of how devastating fire can be. Catastrophic wildfires in BC and Nova Scotia (to name just two) in 2023 contributed to a record-breaking year, with more hectares burned in Canada than in any other year in recorded history. According to Natural Resources Canada, this year’s wildfire season is on track to be the second largest in at least the past two decades. Homeowners – especially those in fire-prone areas – should take these stark facts as an impetus to assess their own readiness for a wildfire and plan ahead.
This week is Fire Prevention Week, which was first observed in 1922 and is among the longest-running public safety observances in North America. It gives all Canadians an opportunity to learn or be reminded of how to prevent fire, mitigate against fire damage and stay safe.
Home Fire Safety Starts with You
Here are some simple, effective tips to help prevent both interior and exterior fires:
Keep your home fire-ready: Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on every floor and outside each sleeping area. Check batteries regularly and replace alarms every 10 years.
Keep an ABC fire extinguisher in your kitchen and know how to use it: This type of extinguisher is designed to put out three types of fires:
Class A – For ordinary combustibles (e.g., wood, paper, cloth)
Class B – For flammable liquids (e.g., grease, oil, paint, solvents)
Class C – For live electrical equipment (e.g., electric panel, motor, wiring).
Clear away brush and debris: If you live in a wildfire-prone area, create a protective space around your home by clearing dead vegetation, dry leaves and other flammable materials from your property. Never store firewood, propane tanks or other combustibles beside your home. See FireSmart Canada for more.
Maintain Heating Systems: Schedule regular inspections, maintenance and cleaning of your heating system and fireplace, to prevent malfunctions and fire risks.
Use fire-resistant materials: Where possible, use fire-resistant materials for your home’s exterior and landscaping. Non-combustible roofing, siding, fencing and decking, as well as non-combustible landscaping materials like decorative rock, can significantly lower the risk of fire spreading through your yard and damaging your home. A hard surfaced patio is a better choice than a wood deck in wildfire prone areas.
Practice electrical safety: Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension cords, and ensure all wiring and fixtures in your home are up to code.
This Fire Prevention Week, let’s use the lessons from Jasper and focus on what we can all do – at home and as a community – to reduce fire risks and prevent fire damage for the future.
To learn more about keeping your home and loved ones safe from fire, watch IBC’s Stay Protected: Fire and Wildfire Protection video.
