As beautiful as British Columbia is in the summer, it's also a time when wildfires become a serious concern—especially for homeowners living in rural, suburban, or forest-adjacent communities. Every year, wildfires threaten homes, wildlife, and entire communities. While we can’t control the weather, we can take proactive steps to protect our homes and reduce the risk of fire damage.
Here’s a practical guide to help you get your property ready for wildfire season in BC.
- Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home
The area immediately surrounding your home—within 10 metres—is the most critical zone to protect. Here's what you can do:
- Clear debris: Remove dry leaves, pine needles, branches, and other flammable materials from roofs, gutters, decks, and around the foundation.
- Mow and water your lawn: Keep grass short and well-watered to prevent easy ignition.
- Space out vegetation: Prune trees and shrubs so they aren’t touching each other or your home.
- Store firewood safely: Keep it at least 10–30 metres from your house and outbuildings.
- Use Fire-Resistant Building Materials
If you're making home improvements or building a new structure, consider fire-resistant materials:
- Roofing: Use non-combustible materials like metal, clay tile, or asphalt shingles.
- Siding: Fibre cement, stucco, and brick offer better protection than vinyl or wood.
- Decks and Fences: Opt for fire-rated materials and ensure gaps under decks are screened to prevent ember intrusion.
- Prepare an Emergency Kit and Evacuation Plan
In a worst-case scenario, you may have to leave on short notice. Be prepared:
- Emergency kit: Include essentials like water, food, medications, flashlights, phone chargers, important documents, and pet supplies.
- Know your routes: Have at least two planned ways out of your neighbourhood.
- Sign up for alerts: Stay informed through BC Wildfire Service, local news, or apps like Alertable.
- Maintain Access for First Responders
Ensure your home is easy to reach and identify:
- Visible address signs: Make sure your house number is clearly marked and visible from the road.
- Driveway clearance: Trim branches and widen access so fire trucks can reach your home if needed.
- Water supply: If you're on a rural property, ensure water sources like ponds or tanks are accessible and clearly marked.
- Stay Informed and Aware
Knowledge is your best tool in wildfire season. Monitor fire conditions and local advisories:
- Check BC Wildfire Service maps and updates
- Listen to local radio or emergency channels
- Respect fire bans and restrictions
Final Thoughts
Wildfire preparedness isn't just a checklist—it's peace of mind. Taking these proactive steps today can dramatically improve your home's chances of surviving a wildfire tomorrow. And if you're buying or selling a property in a fire-prone area, wildfire readiness is something every homeowner should consider as part of long-term maintenance and safety.
Have questions about buying or selling in rural BC? I’m here to help you navigate both the market and the risks that come with it.
Contact Parker to get more info or to start in the buying or selling process today!