Preparing your farm for wildfire season to reduce damage
Written by Aleesha McMullin | Published on: January 24, 2025 | Categories: Business insurance
A wildfire can be devastating — threatening the livelihoods, homes, and equipment of Canadian farmers. But the good news is, with a little prep, you can reduce your risk of damage and protect your operation.
Why is wildfire preparation so important?
Wildfires in Canada can spread fast, fueled by dry vegetation and strong winds. These fires are dangerous — not only for people but for your whole farm. They can destroy buildings, burn crops, threaten your animals, and leave you with massive financial losses. Luckily, you can take proactive measures, before the season begins.
Your wildfire season prep checklist:
Here’s how you can get your farm ready and fire-resistant:
- Create defensible space. This is your first line of defense. "Defensible space" means a cleared area around your buildings.
- Remove any dry grass, weeds, leaves, and branches within 10 metres (about 30 feet) around your buildings. The further, the better if space allows!
- Remove dead or dying trees and limbs, especially those overhanging the house. Also, make sure to remove branches that are less than three metres from the ground.
- Keep woodpiles 10 metres away from buildings and clear all grass/weeds within that space.
- Regularly clean your gutters and roof of dry leaves and debris.
- Maintain your equipment. Equipment that’s not properly maintained is a fire waiting to happen.
- Make sure all tractors, ATVs, and other equipment have spark arrestors in good working condition. These devices prevent sparks from igniting dry vegetation.
- Repair any oil or fuel leaks. They are fire starters!
- Keep all fuel and oil in proper containers and properly stored away from any potential hazards.
- Protect your buildings. Taking care of your buildings can stop a fire in its tracks.
- If you can, use non-combustible roofing materials, such as metal. If you have a flammable roof, keep it wet during a wildfire.
- If you need to replace any siding or other exterior materials, consider using fire-resistant materials, like cement board or fiber cement.
- Use metal screens to cover vents and prevent embers from getting inside your buildings.
- Water access. Having water available can make all the difference if a fire breaks out.
- Check your ponds and wells to make sure they are full and ready.
- Ensure you have sufficient hose connections and hoses that can reach around your buildings. Keep a few extra nozzles on hand as well.
- If your well pump depends on electricity, consider having a backup generator, so you can access water even when the power is out.
- Prepare a fire plan. Every farm should have a fire plan.
- Plan what you will do if an evacuation is necessary. Have all important documents in one place so they’re easy to grab and go.
- Know how you’ll communicate with family members, employees, and neighbours if a fire happens. Keep a list of emergency numbers handy.
- Go over your plan with everyone on your farm. The more prepared everyone is, the safer you'll be.
- Insurance checkup. It’s a good idea to make sure your insurance coverage is up to date, as well.
- Monitor conditions. Always be aware of what’s going on in your area.
- Check local weather forecasts and fire advisories regularly.
- Pay attention to any local fire bans or restrictions. Never do something that could lead to a fire if you’re under a fire ban.
Wildfire season is something Canadian farmers must take seriously, but remember, you can take control. By following this simple checklist, you can dramatically reduce the chance that wildfires will impact your livelihood, and you can help protect your family and your farm.
Take your preparation activities one step further by learning how to adapt your operations to climate change.