After the Flames: How to Prepare For and Recover From Wildfire Damage
Rural Wildfire Prep and Recovery Guide
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense across rural and forested areas in Canada. From structural loss to smoke and fire retardant residue, the damage can be significant. Learn how to protect your home with prevention strategies like fire retardant spray, and discover what to do if you’re affected. When things go wrong, We do what’s right.
Wildfire Risks Are Increasing in Canada
As wildfires become more frequent across Canada, especially during the dry summer months, rural and forested communities are at higher risk than ever before. Whether caused by lightning, drought, or human activity, wildfires can devastate homes, properties, and natural landscapes in minutes. Preparation is critical—not just for your safety, but for your ability to recover quickly.
Common Types of Wildfire Damage
Here’s what homeowners and property managers commonly face when a wildfire strikes:
- Structural Fire Damage. Direct exposure to flames can destroy or compromise homes, garages, fences, and more.
- Smoke and Soot Damage. Even if the flames don’t reach your property, smoke and soot can cause hidden damage throughout your home, affecting air quality, fabrics, electronics, and HVAC systems.
- Heat Warping and Melting. The intense heat from nearby fires can melt vinyl siding, crack windows, and blister paint—even without direct flame contact.
- Water and Fire Retardant Damage. Firefighting efforts often involve large volumes of water or fire retardant sprays. While these methods are critical for saving your property, they can leave behind residue that stains surfaces, clogs gutters, and may require professional cleanup.
- Environmental Contamination. Fires can damage soil, septic systems, and water supplies, especially in rural properties with wells or tanks.
5 Tips to Prepare and Protect Your Property
- Create a Defensible Space Around Your Home. Remove dead vegetation, firewood, and flammable materials at least 10 metres from your structure. Maintain trimmed grass, shrubs, and overhanging branches.
- Apply Fire Retardant Spray to Vulnerable Areas. Fire retardant sprays are an effective tool for reducing flammability on fences, decks, roofing, and exterior walls. These products add a layer of protection—but they must be professionally applied and eventually cleaned after the risk has passed.
- Upgrade to Fire-Resistant Materials. Choose Class A fire-rated roofing, tempered glass windows, and non-combustible siding to reduce ignition points.
- Install Ember Guards and Roof Vent Protection.Flying embers are a major ignition risk. Install mesh ember guards over attic and crawlspace vents, and regularly inspect your roof and gutters for debris.
- Prepare an Emergency Plan and Evacuation Kit. Keep essential documents, medications, and supplies in a grab-and-go bag. Include copies of insurance paperwork and digital backups of important files.
Best Practices When Dealing with Your Insurance Provider
If wildfire damage occurs, acting quickly and following these best practices can make a major difference in your claim outcome:
- Call Your Insurance Provider Right Away. Notify them as soon as it is safe to do so. Ask what documentation they require and if emergency accommodations are covered.
- Take Clear, Detailed Photos and Videos. Capture all visible damage, both inside and outside the structure. Include smoke and residue impacts, even if there is no obvious structural loss.
- Document Damaged Contents. Make an itemized list of furniture, electronics, clothing, and other possessions that were affected.
- Track Temporary Expenses. Save receipts for hotels, meals, and other displacement costs—they’re often reimbursable.
- Request Paul Davis Restoration by Name. Insurance providers often prefer to work with trusted, certified restoration experts like Paul Davis, who follow IICRC standards and communicate directly with adjusters.
Call Paul Davis Restoration – When Things Go Wrong, We Do What’s Right
Whether you’re dealing with structural fire damage, smoke infiltration, or leftover fire retardant residue, Paul Davis Restoration has the expertise and equipment to handle it all. Our certified teams are trained not only in fire and smoke cleanup but also in removing fire retardant spray residue safely and thoroughly—restoring your home to a clean, livable state.
Final Thought
Wildfires are unpredictable—but your response doesn’t have to be. Invest in proven prevention like fire retardant spray, know your evacuation plan, and trust the professionals who are ready when disaster strikes. Paul Davis Restoration—when things go wrong, we do what’s right.
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