1. Create a Defensible Space
   Clear flammable materials like dry leaves, pine needles, and dead vegetation within at least 30 feet of your home. In spruce-heavy areas, needles can accumulate quickly, so regular cleanup is essential. Trim tree branches that overhang your roof, and keep shrubs and trees well-spaced to reduce fire spread.
2. Harden Your Home
   Use fire-resistant materials where possible. For example, consider a metal or asphalt roof instead of wood shingles, as spruce embers can easily ignite wooden surfaces. Install spark arrestors on chimneys, and cover vents with fine metal mesh to block embers from entering your home.
3. Maintain Your Property
   Keep your lawn mowed and watered if possible—dry grass can act as fuel. Remove any flammable items like firewood stacks, propane tanks, or patio furniture from near your house. In Atlantic Canada, where forests are dense, even small piles of debris can become fire hazards.
4. Prepare an Evacuation Plan
   Have a clear evacuation plan for your family, including a "go bag" with essentials like documents, medications, and clothing. Know your evacuation routes, as wildfires in spruce forests can create heavy smoke, reducing visibility. Sign up for local emergency alerts to stay informed.
5. Check Water Access and Tools
   Ensure you have access to water, like a hose that can reach all areas of your property, or a nearby water source. Keep tools like shovels, rakes, and buckets handy to put out small spot fires if it’s safe to do so.
6. Inspect Your Insurance and Documentation
   Review your homeowner’s insurance to confirm it covers wildfire damage. Take photos or videos of your property and belongings for documentation in case you need to file a claim.
7. Stay Informed About Local Conditions
   Atlantic Canada can experience dry spells, especially in late summer or early fall, increasing wildfire risk. Monitor local fire danger ratings and weather conditions, as high winds can spread fires rapidly through spruce forests.

If you’ve taken these steps, your home is likely better prepared than most. However, no preparation can guarantee safety, so always prioritize evacuation if a wildfire approaches. For more detailed guidance, check resources from your local fire department or government websites like Natural Resources Canada.

In any major event, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and preparedness. In the instance of wildfires, they can strike swiftly, threatening lives, homes, and entire communities. By working together, risks can be minimized and cherished spaces safeguarded from the devastating impacts of wildfires.

Proactive wildfire safety measures by homeowners creates defensible spaces that improve a home’s chances of survival and provides safer areas for firefighters to operate, ultimately protecting lives, properties, and communities.

Residents are encouraged to take actions that increase their home, neighbourhood and communities’ resilience to wildfire. FireSmart Canada leads the development of resources and programs to help Canadians increase resilience to wildfire. Below is their brochure for guiding residents on understanding the devastating reality of wildfires, and how to prepare and maintain properties for optimal wildfire safety to begin the journey of being FireSmart.

For more information, please visit the FireSmart Canada Website

What should be in my "go bag" when it comes to wildfire?

A "go bag" is essential for quick evacuation during a wildfire. Having the right items ready can help you stay safe and prepared. Here’s what to include:

• Essentials for Safety and Survival
  Pack a flashlight with extra batteries, a first aid kit, and a multi-tool. Include a mask (like an N95) to protect against smoke inhalation—spruce fires produce thick, irritating smoke that can make breathing difficult.
• Personal Documents and Cash
  Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof bag, including IDs, passports, insurance policies, and property deeds. Have some cash in small bills, as power outages during wildfires can disrupt ATMs and card payments.
• Clothing and Comfort Items
  Pack at least one change of clothes, including sturdy shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect against embers. Include a hat and gloves, as well as a blanket or sleeping bag, since evacuation centers may be cold or crowded.
• Food and Water
  Include non-perishable snacks like granola bars or dried fruit, and at least 1 liter of water per person for a day. Wildfires can disrupt access to clean water, and you may be on the move for hours.
• Medications and Personal Items
  Bring a 3-day supply of any prescription medications, along with glasses or contact lenses if you need them. Don’t forget hygiene items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer.
• Communication Tools
  Pack a fully charged phone with a portable charger, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay updated on evacuation orders. Cell service can be unreliable during wildfires, especially in rural Atlantic Canada.
• Items for Pets or Children
  If you have pets or kids, include their essentials: pet food, leashes, or carriers, and for children, a favorite toy or comfort item to reduce stress during evacuation.
• Local Map and Emergency Contacts
  Have a physical map of your area and a list of emergency contacts, as GPS might not work if cell towers are down. Mark evacuation routes in advance, considering that spruce forest fires can close roads quickly.

Keep your go bag in an easily accessible spot, like near your front door, and check it every few months to ensure items haven’t expired. In a wildfire, you may only have minutes to evacuate, so being prepared can make all the difference.