Each summer seems to bring new headlines about wildfires across Canada. While many of the largest fires occur outside of Ontario, wildfire smoke and changing weather patterns are affecting communities across the country – including closer to home.
The good news is that there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk and be better prepared should a wildfire threaten your area.
Whether you own a home in the city, spend weekends at the cottage, or live in a more rural community, a little preparation today can go a long way toward protecting your property and giving you greater peace of mind.
Why wildfire preparedness matters
Wildfire seasons are becoming longer and more unpredictable. Dry conditions, high temperatures and strong winds can all contribute to fires spreading quickly. Even if your home isn’t located near an active wildfire, smoke, power outages and evacuation orders can still impact your community.
Being prepared isn’t about expecting the worst – it’s about making small, manageable improvements that can help protect your home and your family.
Start with your property
One of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk is by creating what’s known as a defensible space around your home. This simply means reducing anything that could allow a fire to spread more easily.
Consider taking a walk around your property and looking for opportunities to:
- Remove dead leaves, pine needles and other dry debris from your yard
- Clean gutters and rooflines regularly
- Trim tree branches that hand close to your home or roof
- Keep grass cut short during dry periods
- Store firewood, propane tanks and other combustible materials well away from your home
- Move patio furniture cushions and other flammable items indoors if wildfire conditions are present
These simple maintenance tasks can also improve your homes’ overall safety throughout the summer.
Consider fire-resistant upgrades
If you’re planning home improvements, you may want to think about materials that can better withstand wildfire conditions.
Depending on your home and budget, upgrades could include:
- Fire-resistant roofing materials
- Metal or ember-resistant vents
- Tempered glass windows
- Non-combustible landscaping close to your home’s foundation
- Regular maintenance of fences, decks and sheds
You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Even small improvements can help reduce your home’s vulnerability over time.
Be ready in case you need to leave quickly
Wildfires can change rapidly, so having an emergency plan is important.
Take a few minutes to make sure your household knows:
- Local evacuation routes
- Where to meet if you’re separated
- How to receive emergency alerts in your area
- What essentials to pack in an emergency kit
Your kit should include important documents, medications, chargers, water, non-perishable food, pet supplies and a few days’ worth of necessities.
Preparing ahead of time means you’ll have one less thing to worry about if an emergency does occur.
Don’t forget to review your insurance
While prevention is always the goal, it’s also a good reminder to make sure your insurance coverage reflects your current needs.
Consider asking yourself:
- Has your home been renovated or expanded?
- Have you added a detached garage, workshop or other structure?
- Do you know what your policy covers if you’re temporarily unable to live in your home following an insured loss?
- Do you have an up-to-date home inventory with photos or videos of your belongings?
Reviewing your policy periodically can help ensure your coverage keeps pace with changes to your home and lifestyle.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of your coverage, your insurance broker can help answer your questions and explain your options.
A little preparation goes a long way
Wildfires may feel like something that happens elsewhere – but as we’ve seen in recent years, their effects can reach communities across Canada.
Taking a few simple steps around your home today can help reduce potential risks and leave you feeling more prepared for whatever the summer season brings.
For more seasonal home protection tips, be sure to check out our Preparing for Extreme Weather in Ontario: A Summer 2026 Guide, where we cover other seasonal risks like severe storms, flooding and extreme heat.
If you’d like to review your home insurance coverage or have questions about protecting your property, the team at McFarlan Rowlands is always here to help.