Canada experienced its most devastating wildfire season in 2023, with nearly 25,000 square kilometers burned and firefighting costs reaching approximately $770 million. According to the U.S. Department of the Interior, about 90% of wildfires are caused by human actions, not natural causes, meaning many wildfires are preventable.
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, do you know how to reduce your risk? And if a wildfire does occur, are you prepared to file a claim?
Confirm Your Coverage
In Canada, damage caused by fire and smoke from wildfires is covered under standard homeowners, renters, and business owners insurance, as well as the comprehensive portion of auto insurance. If firefighters cause water or other damage while protecting your property from a wildfire, that’s covered too.
The cost of your policy will be influenced by general wildfire conditions in your region and specific factors tied to your address. The top three aspects considered when assessing your home’s risk are:
- The amount of vegetation that a fire could use as fuel
- The grade (or steepness) of your property
- The ease of access for firefighters and their equipment
Review your policy annually to ensure you have adequate coverage limits, especially if you’ve made upgrades or acquired new possessions. If you haven’t read the fine print, confirm with your insurance broker that the following are covered concerning wildfires:
- Your home and outbuildings: If you live in a condo, check the lease or bylaws to understand what the condo association covers versus what you need to insure.
- Your possessions: Ensure your policy covers theft or vandalism, which can occur with post-wildfire looting.
- Additional living expenses: If your home becomes uninhabitable, this covers rent and food until your living space is restored or replaced.
Also, confirm that your auto insurance covers fire damage and vandalism. These fall under “comprehensive” coverage and are not automatically included in auto policies.
Create a Home Inventory
Accurate home inventories are crucial for recovering losses after a wildfire. Here’s how to create one:
- Take pictures or videos of your property annually.
- Describe each item and approximate purchase date.
- Document high-value items thoroughly.
- Store the inventory and important documents off-site, like with family or in a safe deposit box.
- Secure a digital backup on an off-site server.
Reduce Your Risk
Practice good fire safety by never tossing a cigarette out of a car window, burning yard debris near structures, leaving campfires unattended, or using incendiary devices near woodlands. Beyond these measures, you can reduce the flammability of your property.
Wildfires need oxygen, heat, and fuel to thrive. While you can’t control the first two, you can reduce vegetation and combustible materials on your property. Research shows that wind-blown embers during wildfires cause most home fires. Embers can travel up to one mile, land on a combustible fuel source, and start a new fire. Fires can also move from the ground into tree crowns, complicating firefighting efforts.
Play Zone Defense
To reduce your property’s wildfire risk, eliminate potential fuel sources. Here’s how to manage different zones around your home:
Immediate Zone (0-5 Feet from Home)
- Replace or repair loose or missing shingles or roof tiles with fire-resistant materials.
- Regularly remove dried leaves and pine needles from gutters and eaves.
- Clear debris from roofs, porches, and under decks.
- Install one-eighth-inch metal mesh screening in eave and attic vents.
- Remove items stored under decks.
- Move flammable materials like mulch and firewood away from walls.
- Eliminate dense clusters of trees and undergrowth.
Intermediate Zone (5-30 Feet from Home)
- Space trees 18 feet apart, increasing distance on sloped properties.
- Prune trees to keep branches 6-10 feet off the ground.
- Clear vegetation under stationary propane tanks.
- Keep grass mowed to four inches.
- Use driveways, walkways, and patios as fuel breaks.
- Install non-combustible fences and decks.
- Keep playground equipment and outbuildings 30 feet from the house.
Extended Zone (30-200 Feet from Home)
- Eliminate dense clusters of trees and undergrowth.
- Remove heavy debris and dead plant material.
- Keep vegetation away from outbuildings.
- Ensure trees are spaced at least 12 feet apart within 30-60 feet of your home and six feet apart beyond that.
If Your Home is Struck by a Wildfire
Even if you can’t immediately assess damage, report the wildfire to your insurer as soon as possible. Keep your insurance broker’s contact information or company app handy, as it simplifies a stressful time.
During the claim process, complete a “proof of loss” form. Your home inventory will be essential here. Include a description, purchase date, and replacement or repair cost for each item. Some claims require formal repair estimates. Your insurance broker can assist with this process.
Don’t dispose of damaged items until they are assessed and included in the claim report. If cleanup is necessary, photograph items before disposal.
Insurance policies typically have time limits for filing claims, varying by province and company. Ask your broker about these limits.
Some high-value insurance policies offer prevention services, like transferring fine art away from danger. While protecting your home and belongings is essential, remember that your safety and your family’s safety are most important. Follow evacuation orders knowing your insurance will help you recover financially.
