If you live near forests or open grasslands, wildfires may be a real threat to your home. While you can’t stop wildfires from happening, there’s a lot you can do to reduce your risk. One of the biggest dangers? Flying embers—which can land on rooftops and ignite homes even when the fire is far away.
Why Embers Are So Dangerous
According to experts, 50 to 90 per cent of homes destroyed by wildfires are first ignited by embers. These tiny burning fragments are carried by wind and can easily land on your roof, enter vents, or settle in dry debris around your home. But here’s the good news: you can take simple steps to help stop them.
Start With Yard Maintenance
Your first line of defence is right outside your door. Here’s how to maintain your yard during wildfire season:
- Keep your grass short – Mow lawns to less than 10 cm (the height of a pop can).
- Clear natural debris – Remove dry leaves, dead branches, and other flammable materials.
- Move mulch away from the house – Keep at least 1.5 metres (about the length of 1.5 baseball bats) between mulch and your home’s exterior.
- Choose fire-smart plants – Opt for low-growing greenery or widely spaced shrubs near your home.
Use Non-Combustible Building Materials
The materials you use on and around your home can make a big difference. Consider these upgrades:
- Install non-combustible vent screens – Use fine (3mm) metal screens on external vents to block embers. Skip this for your dryer vent.
- Switch to fire-safe fencing – Instead of wood, choose metal, chain link, cement fibre board, or stone.
- Upgrade your roof and siding – Fire-resistant roofing and non-combustible siding add serious protection.
- Retrofit windows and decks – Install multi-pane or tempered glass windows and fire-rated deck components.
Reduce Your Wildfire Risk by Up to 75%
According to the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, combining smart landscaping with fire-resistant building materials can reduce the risk of wildfire damage by up to 75 per cent.
“Reducing ignition from wildfire embers requires both nature-based and built solutions,” says Dr. Anabela Bonada, Managing Director, Climate Science at the Intact Centre.
Stay Proactive, Stay Protected
The best time to prepare for wildfires is before they happen. A few thoughtful upgrades and regular maintenance can help keep your home—and your family—safe.
Learn More
For more tips on how to protect your home from wildfire, visit intact.ca/protection.
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