Wildfire information

In Canada, the threat of wildfires affects homeowners, families, and local communities. In order to safeguard property, being prepared isn’t just recommended; it’s essential.

This page is dedicated to providing you with comprehensive information about wildfires so you can stay one step ahead. From preparation strategies to sourcing emergency information in your province and understanding your insurance coverage, we have your back.

If you need to make a wildfire claim, visit our claims page for assistance.

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Have questions about your home and fire coverage? Talk to your broker to ensure you're properly protected.

How do I prepare for a wildfire?

At Westland, we’re committed to community safety and protection. The following are actions you can take to protect yourself, your family and your property in the event of a wildfire and what to do in case you’re under Provincial Evacuation Orders. For the full list, visit Government of Canada: Get Prepared.

  • Ensure smoke alarms are installed and fire extinguishers and ladders are available in the event of an emergency. Identify and maintain an outside water source and keep a garden hose long enough to reach all areas of your property.
  • Landscape using fire-resistant materials, like high-moisture plants and non-combustible mulch and keep plants and lawns well-hydrated and maintained. Use materials such as asphalt shingles, metal or concrete roof tiles on the home that are less likely to catch fire.
  • Create a thorough list of your home’s contents as well as a list of critical documents and items. Include vital records, identification, medications and valuable items that can’t be readily replaced.
  • Establish multiple evacuation routes to practice with your family and neighbours, and prepare an emergency kit. Here’s what to include in your emergency kit.

  • Call 911 or emergency services as soon as you spot a fire. Stay on the line and provide all the necessary details to ensure a rapid response.
  • When you receive an evacuation order, swift action is non-negotiable. Pack your emergency kit, essentials, secure your home, and inform someone of your departure details. Refer to your province’s emergency information.
  • Attempting to flee from a wildfire on foot can be dangerous. Your car can protect you from the most severe impacts of a fire. If driving through smoke, proceed cautiously with the headlights on and look for a clear path. When your property becomes a trap, staying indoors is often the best option. Remember to close doors, stay away from windows, and remain calm as the fire front approaches.
  • If you find yourself in the direct path of the flames, look for open areas with minimal fuel for the fire. Make a quick structure to shield yourself from the heat and flames. Ration your resources ensuring they are available when most needed, prioritizing food, water and any medical supplies you may require. If possible, maintain contact with authorities to stay informed about the trajectory of the fire and potential rescue efforts.

  • Check the roof and attic of your sheltering location immediately after the fire danger has passed and put out any fires, sparks or embers. For several hours post-fire, maintain a “fire watch”, re-checking for smoke and sparks. If you detect heat or smoke, evacuate immediately. If returning to your home, do not enter until fire officials say it’s safe. Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots that can flare up without warning.
  • Follow public health guidance on safe cleanup of fire ash and the proper use of masks to avoid inhalation of harmful particles. Wear leather gloves and heavy-soled shoes for hand and foot protection during the clean-up process. Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot, regardless of its packaging, and do not use water that you think may be contaminated.
  • In crisis situations, leadership and support are vital. Listen carefully to what people are telling you, and deal patiently with urgent situations first. If you need to take charge of others, prioritize their safety and well-being. The psychological impact of a fire can be profound. Lean on friends, family, and community support services during this time. Recognize and accept your feelings as natural and necessary for the recovery

Essential strategies to protect your home

An average of 8,000 wildfires burn an average of 2.5 million hectares of forest each year in Canada. To protect your home and community, here are some of the most effective fire prevention strategies to implement. For more information check out our blog post.

Prepare your business

Prepare for common questions from commercial policyholders and clients with our wildfire and mass evacuation question and answer guide. When it comes to protecting your business, we’ve also created a business emergency kit that you can tailor to suit the needs of your employees and location.

How do I stay informed on the latest developments related to wildfires in my province?

You can keep an eye on the status of your area using the Fire Weather Maps on Natural Resources Canada or see the details below for province-specific information.

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info AB for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following links may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires:

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info BC for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following links may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires:

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info MB for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following links may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires:

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info NB for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following page may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires.

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info NL for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following links may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires:

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info NS for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following page may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires.

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info ON for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following page may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires.

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info PEI for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media,  the following page may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires.

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info SK for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following links may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires:

We encourage everyone to visit Emergency Info QC for the most up-to-date information. Outside of traditional news sources and social media, the following page may also provide helpful updates on the status of various new and ongoing wildfires.

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Wildfires are scary, with devastating potential. If you're in an affected area, our top priority is to support you as best we can. Get in touch if you're affected by a wildfire, or have questions on your fire damage coverage.

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