Protecting your home from Fire

Increasingly hot, dry summers are resulting in wildfires across the country, so CAA has some tips homeowners can take to reduce the risk of property damage.

CAA encourages homeowners to protect their homes against embers.

The reality is that most homes do not ignite from direct contact with flames from wildfires. It’s estimated that 90% of homes are destroyed indirectly by embers that are carried by the wind.  

 

Below are some simple tips any homeowner can follow 

Homeowners should prioritize the “Immediate Zone” around their home, which is the first 1.5 meters out from the walls of their house.    

Clear away vegetation 

Swap flower beds against the house for a non-combustible hardscape using materials such as flagstone or concrete.

Move what burns

Get rid of yard trimmings, firewood, propane tanks and all flammables close to your house and deck.  

Check the deck 

Clear yard waste and flammable materials from under the deck. If the deck is wood, replace any rotten or cracked boards.

Grow a fire-resistant garden 

There are plants with moist, supple leaves and little or no sap, resin, oil or wax that look beautiful and are less likely to spread a fire.

Got more time and money? Here are some tips that require a bit more investment, but can make a big difference:

  • When it comes time to replace or upgrade your deck or fence, consider replacing it with a fire-rated surface. 

  • When it comes time to replace your windows or doors, if you can choose multi-pane, tempered glass windows and non-combustible or fire-rated doors and garage doors. 

  • When it’s time for a new roof, choose Class-A, fire-rated roof material such as metal, asphalt, slate, clay or concrete. The difference is huge, as statistics show wildfire structure survival is 90 per cent for a non-combustible roof. 

Visit FireSmart Canada to learn more about fire safety.

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Want to read more about this topic?

CAA’s tips are primarily meant for rural homeowners who live 2 to 5 kilometers from a forest, as they are at the highest risk of having their home damaged by floating embers. However, we have put together a few article with tips that also apply to any homeowner looking to prevent damage if a neighbour’s home catches fire.   

To Find out what else you can do, visit the National Fire Protection Association’s Preparing Homes for Wildfire.

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