Revealed – Canadian’s top wildfire concerns

Revealed – Canadian’s top wildfire concerns | Insurance Business Canada

Catastrophe & Flood

Revealed – Canadian’s top wildfire concerns

New survey marks anniversary of devastating wildfire

Catastrophe & Flood

By
Miko Pagaduan

As the summer months approach, Canadians are increasingly concerned about the threat of wildfires.

According to a recent survey by First Onsite Property Restoration, almost half of Canadian adults are worried about the damage caused by wildfires, with regional concerns highest in British Columbia, which has experienced several years of intense wildfire activity, and suffered a devastating fire that destroyed the town of Lytton in 2021.

The survey of over 1,500 Canadians found that 75% of respondents were concerned about personal and family safety during disasters such as wildfires, while 56% were concerned about having to leave their homes or communities.

Jim Mandeville, SVP, Large Loss North America, First Onsite Property Restoration, advises Canadians to be aware and to listen to authorities, follow evacuation alerts, and be ready to go at the drop of a hat, equipped with a full tank of gas and a packed bag.

The survey marks the seven-year anniversary of the Fort McMurray, Alberta wildfires, which devastated the region in 2016 and highlights the growing threat of wildfires in Canada, particularly in western provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta.

In response to the growing risk, First Onsite Property Restoration offers emergency response planning for communities in wildfire-prone regions and is ready to respond 24/7, 365 days per year to those who have experienced property or smoke damage.

Wildfires can cause substantial damage to both personal and commercial property, as well as to the natural environment. Insurance companies are closely monitoring the risk of wildfires and may adjust premiums accordingly in regions that are particularly prone to wildfires.

Property owners in high-risk areas may also be required to take measures to mitigate the risk of wildfire, such as creating defensible spaces around their homes or installing fire-resistant roofing materials.

Despite these precautions, wildfires remain a significant risk to property owners, and the cost of wildfire damage can be substantial.

According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, the Fort McMurray wildfires caused $3.7 billion in insured losses, making it the costliest disaster in Canadian history.

As the risk of wildfires continues to grow, property owners are advised to take precautions and to ensure that they have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves in the event of a disaster.

In conclusion, the First Onsite Property Restoration wildfire worries survey highlights the growing concern among Canadians about the threat of wildfires, particularly in western provinces such as British Columbia and Alberta.

As the risk of wildfires continues to grow, property owners and insurance companies alike must remain vigilant and take steps to mitigate the risk and protect against the potential cost of wildfire damage.