Safeguarding your home during wildfire season

Safeguarding Your Home During Canada’s Wildfire Season

June 12, 2025 sbredy

Off

Each year, wildfire season brings heightened anxiety for homeowners across Canada. While major headlines focus on active fires, the reality is that smoke, ash, and shifting wind patterns can affect homes far beyond immediate fire zones. Whether you live in a high-risk area or are experiencing air quality alerts, there are proactive steps you can take to safeguard your home, your health, and your insurance coverage.

At Acuity Advantage Home Watch, we understand the importance of risk management—especially when your home is left unoccupied during uncertain times. While our Certified Home Watch Professionals primarily serve clients in Calgary, Red Deer County, and Whitehorse, Yukon, the insights in this guide are relevant to homeowners across the country.

Here are some tips for safeguarding your home during wildfire season:

If You Live in a High-Risk Area

For homeowners in wildfire-prone communities, it’s essential to prepare your property well in advance of any evacuation order or planned absence. These important steps can help reduce your home’s vulnerability to fire:

Remove dry grass, brush, and debris within 10 metres of your home
Clean your gutters, downspouts, and roof of any flammable material
Relocate firewood, propane tanks, and fuel cans at least 10 metres from structures
Ensure all windows are closed, vents are sealed, and attic access is secured
Inspect and test your sprinkler or irrigation systems for coverage and functionality
Store valuable items offsite or in fire-resistant safes
Confirm your insurance policy includes wildfire-related damage
Schedule a Home Watch visit if you plan to leave your property unattended
Share your evacuation plan with family or neighbours, including key contacts and instructions
Monitor official wildfire channels and local news for updates. If you’re in Alberta, check Alberta Wildfire Service. If you’re in Whitehorse, check Yukon Wildfires Service. Outside of these regions? Search “[Your Province] wildfire” on Google to find your local wildfire services website.

While we strictly follow all evacuation and safety protocols, our team can support you with proactive steps *before* any alerts are issued. We can document your home’s condition, secure key systems, and help you stay informed and prepared—so you’re never caught off guard.

What to Do If You’re Affected by Smoke

Even if your home is not directly threatened by fire, heavy smoke and poor air quality can still cause significant problems. These steps can help you protect your property and indoor environment:

Switch to HEPA-certified air filters and replace them regularly
Set your HVAC system to “recirculate” mode
Seal gaps around doors, windows, and vents to prevent intrusion
Keep windows and doors closed as much as possible
Place damp towels at thresholds and windowsills to block fine particles
Avoid using HVAC systems that draw in outside air during smoke events
Run air purifiers and close off unused rooms to concentrate clean airflow
Wipe down surfaces frequently with a damp cloth to remove ash
Monitor indoor humidity to prevent mold growth
Avoid exercising outdoors during heavy smoke periods
Check on elderly family, neighbours, or anyone with respiratory issues
Rinse ash off outdoor plants and delay fertilizing or harvesting until conditions improve

How Acuity Advantage Can Help

Acuity Advantage offers regular interior inspections that include HVAC system checks, humidity monitoring, and filter changes—even while you’re away. Our team of Certified Home Watch Professionals (CHWP’s) provides full-service Home Watch care throughout Calgary, Red Deer County, and Whitehorse, with wildfire-season-specific offerings such as:

Pre- and post-storm/wildfire preparedness inspections
HVAC and air quality monitoring
Emergency property checks following smoke alerts (when safe and permitted)
Secure keyholder and access management services
Detailed photo reports and real-time communication

Whatever your reason for being away, our Certified Home Watch Professionals monitor for smoke infiltration, fire-related damage, HVAC failure, and potential insurance risks—ensuring nothing is missed.

At Acuity Advantage, we understand the emotional and practical weight of wildfire season. Our team is ready to step in when it matters most—bringing reliability, care, and peace of mind to every home we protect.