Wildfire Safety

With the summer of 2023 winding down, we look back on the turbulent wildfires our province endured (and depending on when you’re reading this, may still be) and wonder: what do I do in that situation? We’ve gathered some points on how to prepare and react if you end up in an area affected by a wildfire in the future while camping. Hopefully, to help you avoid any moments of panic freezing. 

We’ve highly condensed the info on the following points, please follow the links at the end of this post to the Government of Canada website and Canadian Red Cross for more information and in-depth discussion. 

Prepare: If your location is at risk to be impacted by wildfires or forest fires here’s how you can be prepared whether at home or at camp. 

  • Have an emergency plan with your group/family and emergency kits
  • Stay informed of weather advisories in your area
  • Heading into an unfamiliar area? Look into local municipal, provincial, or territorial emergency management to familiarize yourself with evacuation routes and procedures. This can be online or done over the phone.
  • Know and practice your primary escape route, and plan alternative routes out of your community/location. As soon as you get to camp, confirm your evacuation route and if your campground has an emergency preparedness plan.
    • If an emergency evacuation is called, you’ll be leaving heavy equipment behind including unattached trailers when time is exceedingly limited.

No Bull Tip! If an evacuation is called DO NOT WAIT! Follow all instructions by park personnel or emergency officials and depart ASAP in a calm and orderly fashion. Never try and outrun a fire. 

Here’s an example of resources offered for Banff National Park, via the Parks Canada website:

Protect Your Home:

Note: These points primarily refer to permanent brick and mortar buildings. If the area you are camping is at risk of wildfire, we recommend immediate evacuation if it is safe to do so. 

  • Remove fire hazards from around your property: dried branches, leaves, debris, etc. 
  • Keep a sprinkler in working condition and in an easily accessible location
  • Test your smoke detectors monthly, replace the batteries every 6 months, and be sure they are on every level of your home. 
  • You can consult with your local fire department or a qualified engineer about making your home fire resistant
  • For farms and ranches, leaving livestock unsheltered is preferable as a fire can cause the animals to be trapped indoors. If time and safety permit, consider evacuating farm animals such as horses and cattle away from the danger zone.

Other:

  • Know how to shut off your utilities in the if you receive instruction to do so by authorities
  • Be sure your vehicle is fully fueled in the event evacuation becomes necessary
  • If you need assistance place a HELP sign in your window 
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbors, or those who may require assistance in the case of an evacuation such as: minors unable to drive, or families with a single vehicle
  • Ensure that pets and service animals are accounted for and include them in your evacuation plans
  • In an immediate emergency situation outdoors, seek cover in lakes, rivers, or streams. Dowse blankets and use those to help if no bodies of water are nearby.  

If you see a wildfire approaching: 

  • Report your sighting immediately to 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

If wildfires are in your area and you know you could be at risk of evacuation, stay aware and prepare. 

  • Monitor fire progress through the radio, TV, social media (such as your local fire department, police, or municipal emergency services), and online alerts. 
    • This will give you information from authorities and emergency officials coordinating evacuation plans and up-to-date information on fire locations and road closures.
  • If an evacuation order is issued be sure to take your emergency kit  and other essential items with you. These include: legal documents, medications, baby necessities, etc.
  • Pack your car with it positioned forward out of your driveway; keep car windows closed
  • If you are comfortable doing so, post a message facing out of your home in clear view indicating where you are going and how you can be contacted

If you have time and it is safe to do so, you can also do some or all of the following at home: 

  • Close all doors and windows
  • Turn on the lights inside to aid in visibility in the case smoke fills the building
  • Cover vents, windows, and other openings with duct tape and/or pre-cut plywood pieces
  • Turn off your propane/natural gas to your home (if possible). Move any propane barbeques away from the building or structures on the property.
  • Move any combustibles away from the house and other structures: i.e., firewood and lawn furniture 
  • Place a ladder that can reach the roof at the front of your house (this may assist firefighters)

During Evacuation/After:

  • Keep your cool. You may encounter difficult travel conditions such as debris, downed trees, or offline traffic lights. Prepare to go slow for safety.
  • Remember safety recommendations around downed power lines: 
    • Stay at minimum 10-meters away to avoid injury and do NOT attempt to drive through areas that may be impacted by the downed line
  • Continue to listen to the radio/local TV and social media for updates
  • Only make phone calls if someone’s life is in immediate danger or you require immediate emergency assistance. Do not make minor/nuisance calls at this time to 9-1-1
  • Seek immediate medical attention if injured
  • Check in with family and friends that you are safe and where you are going. 
  • DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH A WILDFIRE!

Returning Home:

  • If you have been given the all clear to return after evacuation proceed with caution as certain emergency or public services may still be unavailable when the evacuation is lifted
  • Work with local authorities to assess the structural integrity and safety of your home. Only re-enter your home or other buildings after authorities advise it is safe to do so

For more in-depth information, visit: 

Parks Canada Wildfires https://parks.canada.ca/nature/science/conservation/feu-fire/feuveg-fireveg/incendies-wildfire

Canadian Red Cross https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/types-of-emergencies/wildfires

Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/wildfires.html 

(Information from Government of Canada, Canadian Red Cross, Parks Canada) 

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