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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
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:
- 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.
What to do during a forest fire or wildfire