How wildfires start and why the right insurance matters

Wildfires are becoming more frequent, more destructive, and harder to predict. In 2024 alone, wildfires burned over 5.3 million hectares of land in Canada forcing thousands of families to evacuate their homes.

With these catastrophes costing billions of dollars in damage and disrupting communities and lives, behind every news headline is a real person wondering: “Would my insurance actually cover this?” 

Let’s take a closer look at how wildfires start, and why the right coverage matters more than ever.

How wildfires start

Understanding the causes of wildfires is key to preparing for them. While some are sparked by nature, many are caused by human activity. Add in changing environmental conditions, and it’s a dangerous mix. 

Natural causes

• Lightning strikes are one of the most common natural ignition sources. A single bolt can spark a fire in seconds, especially in dry, forested areas. 
• Extreme heat from prolonged hot weather or heatwaves can also set the stage for combustion. 

Environmental factors 

• Drought conditions dry out vegetation, creating a perfect fuel source. 
• High winds spread flames rapidly and unpredictably. 
• Dry lightning (thunderstorms with little to no rain) can ignite multiple fires at once. 

Human-related causes 

• Campfires that aren’t fully extinguished. 
• Sparks from vehicles or machinery, especially in dry grass.
  

“ATV’s are one of the causes of wildfire that people don’t think about, especially in the spring when vegetation is dry. Discarded cigarettes thrown out of vehicle windows is another common human-related wildfire cause”. 

Why this matters

Wildfires don’t just affect rural communities anymore. With shifting weather patterns and expanding development, wildfire risk is reaching suburban and even urban areas. 

Many homeowners assume they’re covered, but in wildfire-prone regions, standard insurance might not go far enough. Then, when disaster strikes, it can be too late to find out. 

Here’s why it’s critical to understand your coverage: 

• Wildfires are growing in frequency and severity. Some regions are now experiencing wildfire seasons that are almost year-round. 
• Homeowners are often underinsured. Rebuilding costs have surged in recent years, and many policies haven’t kept pace. 
• Coverage details can vary by region. What’s included in a standard policy in one province might not be the same in another. 

What your insurance may (or may not) cover 

Most standard home insurance policies include wildfire damage, but there are important exceptions. If your home is in a high-risk area, insurers may add exclusions, increase premiums, or require additional protections. Here’s what to keep in mind: 

• Standard policies typically cover wildfire-related damage to the dwelling, detached structures (like garages), and personal belongings. 
• Loss-of-use coverage or additional living expenses may help with temporary living expenses if you’re forced to evacuate. 
• Smoke damage, landscaping, or outbuildings might not be fully covered unless specified. 

Tips to ensure your coverage goes further

It’s easy to overlook policy details—until you need them. Here are a few steps you can take today: 

• Review your home insurance policy annually, especially if you’ve renovated or updated your home. 
• Ask about wildfire-specific endorsements or add-ons if you live in or near a risk area. 
• Take inventory of your belongings, including photos or videos, to make claims easier. 
• Speak with an expert advisor who can walk you through your options and highlight any gaps in protection. 

At Westland, our local advisors go the extra mile to make sure you’re covered. We work hard to provide coverage that goes further, so you can focus on what matters most.

When disaster strikes close to home

In 2024, a fast-moving wildfire broke out just outside of Jasper National Park in Alberta, triggering a local state of emergency and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. Fueled by high winds and dry conditions, the blaze spread quickly, damaging homes, disrupting daily life, and putting communities on edge. 

Rev. Roy Nickel, client of Greta Gerstner, a Westland Senior Insurance Advisor, spoke up about his experience of being affected by this disastrous event, and how Westland was there to provide guidance and expertise.

“Unless you have lived through it, you cannot imagine the chaos of emotions and frenetic activity of a wildfire approaching your town. We faced that in Jasper, July 2024. Fear, dreaded anticipation, frantic doubts. Then, a measure of relief in the reality that it was not our whole town destroyed.”

Thousands of hectares were affected, and the emotional toll was just as severe. Residents faced uncertainty, stress, and then the difficult task of recovery. For many, insurance became more than just a policy; it became a lifeline.

Our own insurance brokerage, Westland Insurance, and personal broker, Greta Gerstner, along with representatives of Intact Insurance and On Side Restoration, worked together to help us navigate the myriad details we faced.

We did not lose everything, but our home and our church properties sustained smoke damage. Representatives helped us understand what could be salvaged and what should be considered unrecoverable. They also helped us to understand the process of recovery.

Despite inevitable time lags that come from hundreds of claims filed simultaneously, we received support, advice, and understanding ears. We eventually reached an equitable settlement personally and satisfactory remediation of our property, as well as for those properties for which I was point person.

It will be years before our town recovers, and decades before the surrounding forests regrow. Many are still in the process of rebuilding. We’re grateful for the compassion and support we received.

Don’t wait until smoke is in the air

If you’re not sure what your policy covers in the event of a wildfire, now’s the time to find out. Speak to a Westland advisor today to review your home insurance  and wildfire readiness strategy.

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For additional resources, review our dedicated page on wildfire information , check out more tips or refer to the information provided by the Government of Canada.