Wildfires – Get prepared

Wildfires are Canada's second most costly disaster and impact every region in Canada. Hotter temperatures and drier conditions are changing the frequency and intensity of wildfires. Wildfire events do not impact communities equally. Indigenous communities are more likely to be evacuated due to long standing socioeconomic conditions and vulnerabilities that become intensified by wildfire and wildfire smoke. Indigenous ceremonial sites, hunt camps, traplines, as well as hunting, fishing and harvesting grounds can also be damaged by wildfires.

How to prepare before a wildfire

Educate the members of your household. Make sure that your family and the members of your household are prepared, should a wildfire occur or should your area be impacted by wildfire smoke:

• Make a household emergency plan: Consider the specific needs of all members of your household, including older adults, anyone with special health needs, children, children, pets and service animals
• Prepare your emergency kits: learn more about what items to put in your kit, including quick and easy steps you can take right away
• Practice your primary escape route, as well as alternative routes out of your community
• Be familiar with local, provincial, territorial emergency management organizations, their plans and evacuation procedures
• Take time to learn about emergency planning in your area, as some things are different between cities and provinces
• Stay informed of weather conditions and advisories in your area
• Be aware of wildfire smoke, its impact on air quality and health
• Stay informed about wildfire conditions
• Check if your wireless phone is compatible with Alert Ready, Canada's emergency alerting system

Prepare your home

Preventative measures can help protect your home and property before an emergency occurs:

• Remove any fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris
• FireSmart Canada has information and resources to increase the resiliency of your home and your community to wildfires
• Keep a sprinkler in good working condition available
• Have smoke alarms on every level of your home, preferably in every bedroom
• Test smoke detectors once a month. Replace batteries every 6 months. Replace the smoke detector every 10 years
• Have carbon monoxide alarms in your home that are in proper working order
• Consult with your local fire department or a qualified engineer about making your home fire-resistant
• Know how to turn off the utilities in your residence. Local authorities may instruct you to shut them off

Prepare for wildfire smoke

Smoke from wildfires can be a major source of air pollution. During heavy smoke conditions, everyone is at risk regardless of their age or health but some people are more likely to be at risk. Actions to prepare your home for wildfire smoke include:

• Properly seal windows and doors
• Consider purchasing one or more certified, properly-sized portable air purifiers
• Purchase a clean, good quality air filter for your ventilation system and air purifiers, and have extra filters available
• Reduce other sources of indoor air pollution and take steps to improve air quality in your home
• Be familiar with:
  • Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
  • Info-Smog (QC) observation and forecasts
  • WeatherCan app for weather warnings and air quality advisories in your area
  • Weather alerts and air quality advisories

Be ready to evacuate

• Make sure that your vehicle is fully fueled. If evacuated, stopping to refuel could be difficult depending on your region or distances
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to see if they require assistance
• If you need assistance, place a help sign in your window
• If on a farm/ranch, it is preferable to leave animals unsheltered. If time and personal safety permits, move them away from the danger zone
• Learn more from your provincial or territorial emergency management organization

During a wildfire

Stay calm. If you see a fire approaching your home or community, report its location immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If it is safe enough to do so, take some or all of the following actions:

• Monitor local radio, television or social media for information, warnings, alerts or evacuation orders from authorities and emergency officials
• Follow instructions. Be ready to leave
• Pack your emergency kit and any valuables or items that cannot be replaced in your vehicle, in preparation to evacuate
• Park your vehicle, positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed
• If you are comfortable doing so, post a message in clear view for local authorities to know where a property's resident has gone and how they can be contacted

Protect your home

• Close all doors and windows
• Cover vents and other openings to your house to limit smoke entering your house
• Turn on all lights in the house, porch, garage and yard for increased visibility
• Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house to assist firefighters
• Move propane BBQs and other combustibles, including firewood and lawn furniture away from structures
• Turn off propane or natural gas if you evacuate

Driving during a wildfire

• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines to avoid electrocution. Do not drive through areas that have downed power lines
• Do not attempt to drive through a wildfire unless directed by emergency officials
• Always follow official evacuation routes
• Follow local social media and stay tuned to your local radio station for up-to-date information on the fire and possible road closures

During a wildfire smoke event

• Monitor radio, television or local social media accounts for air quality statements or air quality advisories issued for your location
• Monitor the Government of Canada's:
  • Current air quality conditions and forecasts for your area
  • Firework system for how smoke from wildfires is expected to move
• Seek out and follow health guidance from local authorities
• Listen to your body. Consider reducing, rescheduling or stopping strenuous outdoor activities. Seek medical attention if experiencing symptoms
• Limit time outdoors
• When there's an extreme heat event occurring with poor air quality, prioritize keeping cool
• Protect your indoor air from wildfire smoke by:
  • keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible
  • using a clean, good quality air filter in your ventilation system based on the manufacturer's recommendations
  • using a certified portable air purifier that can filter fine particles
  • if you don't have access to a ventilation system or portable air purifier, you may plan to use a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) air cleaner. Understand the limitations and safety risks associated with DIY air cleaners if used in short-term emergency situations
  • limiting the use of exhaust fans, such as bathroom fans
• If you must spend time outdoors, a well-constructed, well-fitting and properly worn respirator type mask (such as a NIOSH-certified N95 or equivalent respirator) can reduce your exposure to the fine particles (PM2.5) that represent the main health risk from wildfire smoke. Check in on others who may be impacted by wildfire smoke
• Take care of your mental health

After a wildfire

Assess the situation. Walking or driving might be difficult. Roads may be littered with debris, trees may be down and traffic lights may not be working.

• Monitor local radio, television or social media for up-to-date information from authorities and emergency officials
• Seek immediate medical attention if injured
• Make phone calls only if immediate emergency assistance is needed. Otherwise, use alternative communication methods
• Stay at least 10 metres away from downed power lines to avoid electrocution
• Do not drive through areas with downed power lines

Returning to your home

• Follow evacuation orders and remain outside the evacuation zone until authorities have advised that it is safe to return
• Work with experts to ensure utilities are safe. Natural gas should only be turned back on by a licensed technician
• Work with local authorities and professional engineers to assess the structural safety of your home. Re-enter your home only after being advise that it is structurally safe
• Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms, replace or install new batteries as necessary
• Remove spoiled food from fridges and freezers. When in doubt throw it out
• Do not drink stagnant water in water tanks
• Document damage to your home and property for insurance purposes
• Ensure your well water is safe