Intact taps Wildfire Defense Systems for key offering

Intact taps Wildfire Defense Systems for key offering | Insurance Business Canada

Catastrophe & Flood

Intact taps Wildfire Defense Systems for key offering

Pilot project to benefit eligible customers in two provinces

Catastrophe & Flood

By
Terry Gangcuangco

Intact Financial Corporation has initiated a collaborative pilot project with Wildfire Defense Systems (WDS) to provide targeted wildfire prevention and suppression services to eligible homeowners in Alberta and British Columbia. The initiative is designed to protect homes from the immediate threats posed by nearby wildfires.

Under the pilot program, Intact will coordinate with WDS to deliver critical loss-prevention measures to customers’ residences that are within five kilometres of an active wildfire. These services include clearing potentially flammable materials from around properties, securing homes against the intrusion of burning embers, and installing temporary sprinkler systems to help moderate the immediate environment.

Following a wildfire event, WDS personnel will revisit the properties to ensure there is no residual danger, reposition any displaced items, and dismantle any temporary installations.

“In 2023, Albertans and British Columbians experienced a wildfire season of unprecedented scale,” remarked Luisa Currie, senior vice president, West, at Intact. “We saw firsthand the hardship and challenges they faced while we worked together to get them back on track. As we get ready for another challenging wildfire season, the Wildfire Defense Systems service will provide eligible customers added protection and peace of mind.”

In eligible Intact Insurance, belairdirect, and Intact Prestige home insurance policies, the service is incorporated as a standard feature without extra charges for the 2024 wildfire season.

“As the largest private sector wildfire service provider and the leading provider of insurer wildfire loss-prevention services in North America, WDS has the experience and capabilities to reduce the insured-loss risk posed by increasing wildfire threat, including access coordination, pre-fire front mitigation, structure protection, and post-fire front mitigation,” Nick Lauria, chief of fire operations at WDS said.

Currie added: “Intact exists to help people, businesses, and society prosper in good times and be resilient in bad times. Our climate is changing, and we see the risks and devastation of extreme weather and natural disasters up close.

“Our partnership with WDS is an example of how Intact is doubling down on building resilient communities and helping our customers adapt to the impacts of wildfires and other severe weather events.”

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