Wildfire Protection

If you live in an area at risk from wildfires, it’s important to plan ahead and take steps to minimize damage to your property. The following tips represent a good start, but you should also consult with your local fire department for advice specific to your community.

• Keep the area surrounding your home clear of fire hazards such as dead leaves, brush or other debris. Keep firewood and other sources of fuel at least 10 metres away from the walls of your home.
• A healthy lawn around your home can be your best protection, acting as a natural firebreak between the house and surrounding woodland.
• Have an escape plan so that all members of the family know how to exit the house quickly and safely. Practise fire drills with your family so everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
• Make sure all family members know what to do if their clothes catch on fire. Practise the Stop, Drop and Roll drill.
• Install smoke detectors on every floor of your home. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
• Ensure your emergency preparedness kit is fully stocked and accessible and your emergency preparedness plan is up-to-date.
• Homes with untreated wood shake roofs are at great risk of destruction when winds blow burning embers. Replace an untreated wood shake roof with fire resilient roofing materials like metal, tile, asphalt and treated shakes.
• Champion and support FireSmart activities in your community. FireSmart is a national safety program that provides detailed advice on actions you can take to protect your home and property from wildfire.

For additional tips on how to prepare for and survive wildfires, visit our Wildfire Risks page.