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HOME / OFFICE OF PUBLIC SAFETY / EMERGENCY MEASURES ORGANIZATION / WEATHER PREPAREDNESS /

Forest Fires

Wildfires are a natural hazard in any forested and grassland region in Prince Edward Island.The Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry has additional forest fire information.

Wildfires Facts

• Approximately 8,000 wildfires occur each year in Canada.
• The average area burned in Canada is 2.5 million ha/year.
• Fires caused by lightning represent 45% of all fires, but because they occur in remote locations and often in clusters, they represent 81% of total area burned.
• Human-caused fires represent 55% of all fires. They occur in more populated areas and are usually reported and extinguished quickly.

   

How to prepare for a wildfire

If your community is surrounded by brush, grassland or forest, follow these instructions to prepare your home and family for potential wildfires.



• Prepare an emergency survival kit.
• Check for, and remove, fire hazards in and around your home, such as dried out branches, leaves and debris.
• Keep a good sprinkler in an accessible location.
• Learn fire safety techniques and teach them to members of your family.
• Have fire drills with your family on a regular basis.
• Maintain first-aid supplies to treat the injured until help arrives.
• Have an escape plan so that all members of the family know how to get out of the house quickly and safely.
• Have an emergency plan so family members can contact each other in case they are separated during an evacuation.

   

If you see a wildfire approaching your home

If you see a fire approaching your home or community, report it immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or your local emergency number. If it is safe, and there is time before the fire arrives, you should take the following action:



• Close all windows and doors in the house.
• Cover vents, windows, and other openings of the house with duct tape and/or precut pieces of plywood.
• Park your car, unlocked, with the keys in the ignition and positioned forward out of the driveway. Keep car windows closed and have your valuables already packed in your car.
• Turn off propane or natural gas. Move any propane barbeques into the open, away from structures.
• Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage and yard. Inside the house, move combustible materials such as light curtains and furniture away from the windows.
• Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house.
• Put lawn sprinklers on the roof of the house and turn on the water.
• Move all combustibles away from the house, including firewood and lawn furniture.
• Evacuate your family and pets to a safe location.
• Stay tuned to your local radio station for up-to-date information on the fire and possible road closures.

   

What to do during a forest fire or wildfire

• Monitor local radio stations.
• Be prepared to evacuate at any time. If told to evacuate, do so.
• Keep all doors and windows closed in your home.
• Remove flammable drapes, curtains, awnings or other window coverings.
• Keep lights on to aid visibility in case smoke fills the house.
• If sufficient water is available, turn sprinklers on to wet the roof and any water-proof valuables.