Did you know?
As hotter and drier conditions continue to escalate the threat of wildland fires across Canada, the devastating reality has hit close to home. My thoughts are with the residents of the Rainy River District, where recent fires forced evacuations, disrupted critical travel routes, and unfortunately claimed homes and properties.
I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all the first responders, 911 dispatchers, volunteers, and community members who stepped up to support one another during this incredibly challenging time. Thank you all for your bravery and dedication.
Wildland fires and their impacts
According to the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers, wildland fires are a natural hazard that occurs across Canada’s landscapes, including forests, tundra, shrublands and grasslands. In addition, wildland fires are also a vital element for sustained healthy and diverse forest ecosystems. However, wildland fires can become a concern when they threaten people, communities and other forest-based values, such as infrastructure, timber supply and areas of cultural significance.
People and wildland fires
Human activity sparks a significant number of wildland fires across Canada every year. Additionally, experts have stated that preventing wildland fires isn’t just about individual responsibility; there are calls for a fundamental shift in how society approaches the problem. Education is crucial, but we need immediate, lasting systemic change.
Canadian National Forestry Database
Based on data in the Canadian National Forestry Database, over 8,000 wildland fires occur each year. Lightning causes about 50 per cent of all wildland fires, but accounts for about 85 per cent of the annual area burned. Note: The cause of wildland fires can vary from region to region and from month to month. In 2020, 88 percent of wildland fires in Alberta were caused by humans. In fact, human activity is actually the cause of many fires, stemming from sources like:
- Debris burning
- Equipment malfunctions
- Campfires left unattended
- Industrial activities, agricultural, and power lines
- Careless disposal of lit smoking materials or matches
- Off-road vehicle use, fireworks, ammunition, and arson
- Dry leaves, overgrown bush, and stacked fire near the home are fuel waiting for a spark or burning embers
FireSmart Canada reports that 90 per cent of home ignitions in Canada are caused by airborne embers. As well, those embers can blow kilometres ahead of a Wildland Fire and ignite materials on or near your home or cabin/cottage/camp. Go to www.firesmartcanada.ca to learn more about how we all can be FIRESMART.
Wildland fire prevention
There are many opportunities to enhance Wildland Fire prevention and mitigation capabilities across Canada as reported by the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers:
- Assessing Wildland Fire Hazard through modeling.
- Expanding landscape Wildland Fire management activities.
- Adopting standards for community expansion and developments.
- Educating the public on how to limit HUMAN-CAUSED wildland fires.
- Reducing hazardous fuels (shrubs, grasslands, or any flammable vegetation).
- Enhancing our commitment to implementing the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre’s (CIFFC’s) FireSmart Canada tools, principles, and measures.
- Engaging whole-of-society partners to increase our collective knowledge and understanding of Wildland Fire Risk in Canada.
Going forward, protecting your home starts with “simple steps” (actions); here are some tips to make your home or cabin/cottage/camp and property FireSmart:
- Stay informed: Always be aware of the FOREST FIRE DANGER RATINGS within the area you are located, as well as any nearby wildland fires. Note: Last year, people had to be rescued from a provincial park in Manitoba via helicopter because of an approaching Wildland Fire.
- Keep outdoor combustible debris away from your home, cabin/cottage/camp, garage, shed and other structures.
- Dry grass and combustible debris can collect under unsheathed porches, decks and floors; it’s a good idea to enclose those areas.
- Remove combustible materials from under your decks and porches, etc.
- IMMEDIATE ZONE (0 m to 1.5 m): A minimum 1.5 metre non-combustible surface should extend around the entire home and any attachments, such as decks.
- INTERMEDIATE ZONE (1.5 m to 10 m): This should be a fire-resistant area, free of all materials that could easily ignite from a wildland fire.
- EXTENDED ZONE (10 m to 30 m): Thin and prune evergreen trees to reduce hazards in this zone. Regularly remove accumulations of falling branches and dry grass/needles to eliminate potential surface fuels. Additionally, look for opportunities to create a fire break by creating space between trees and vegetation.
- Spacing trees at three metres apart will help reduce the intensity of wildland fires.
- Prune all tree branches within two metres from the ground.
- Clean and maintain gutters and roofs. Keep decks and balconies clear of leaves and debris.
- Keep grass and weeds cut below 10 centimetres.
- Move firewood at least 10 metres away from your home, cabin/cottage/camp, garage, shed, and other structures.
- Wildland fires do happen unexpectedly; if your home or cabin/cottage/camp is near the forest, take extra care, especially during dry periods. If near a source of water, such as a lake or river, a portable fire pump and lengths of hose with nozzles can prove invaluable.
- Have a wildland fire evacuation plan for your home or cabin/cottage/camp.
Remember, taking the time to learn and practice injury prevention costs you nothing. Failing to do so, could lead to the unthinkable … the loss of your life and the lives of those you hold dear.
Safety—it starts with you.
