On July 24, residents of the Town of Jasper and Jasper National Park were asked to evacuate as a major wildfire rapidly approached the town. While everyone except for critical firefighting and government staff needed on site made it out safely, unfortunately the fire managed to creep its way into the townsite. Residents continue to wait anxiously for updates on their properties, with estimates showing that about 30% of the town’s buildings have been lost.
As of July 30, the wildfires remained out of control in the area, which left those who had found temporary shelter scrambling to find something longer-term. Reception centres for those requiring housing are located in:
- Edmonton at 12814 58th St. Building B, Edmonton, AB. Learn more.
- Grande Prairie at Bonnett’s Energy Centre, 10017 99 Ave, Grande Prairie, AB.
- Calgary at Shouldice Athletic Park, 1515 Home Road NW, Calgary, AB. Learn more.
In addition to helping find shelter, available supports from reception centres include:
- Pet support
- RV sites
- Washrooms
- Temporary parking
- Health resources
- Personal hygiene items
Complete information from the Government of Alberta on the Jasper wildfire can be found at calgary.ca/jasperfires.
Financial assistance is available from various agencies
Evacuated Albertans can apply for a one-time evacuation payment if they are eligible. The Government of Alberta is providing $1,250 to each adult, and families an additional $500 for each child under 18. Eligibility requirements include a mandatory evacuation order in effect for seven days or a Band Council Resolution in effect for seven days. Evacuees will need to create an Alberta.ca account to apply online. If you are unable to apply online, you can call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre at 1-877-644-9992 for assistance.
In addition, Albertans in need of emergency financial assistance can contact the Income Support Emergency Contact Centre at 1-866-644-5135 or visit Emergency Financial Assistance. The Canadian Red Cross has also begun distributing $750 in one-time financial assistance per household for Jasperites, including temporary foreign workers. To be eligible, you must register with the Canadian Red Cross online or call1-800-863-6582 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Wildfires and your home insurance
If your property has been damaged by wildfire it is important you call your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Wildfire is considered an insured peril in Canada and damage is covered by all standard home and business insurance policies.
As the incidence rate and severity of wildfires continues to rise in Canada, with 2023 being the worst year on record by far, homeowners should do all they can to protect their properties.
If you live in a rural area where wildfires could occur, be sure to keep your property surrounded by what is called “defensible space.” Keep trees, brush, and firewood well away from your home, as they simply add fuel to the fire. Your driveways, lawns, pathways, and driveways can act as a fuel break for the fire as well. Remember that fire moves fastest uphill. The steeper a slope, the faster a wildfire will spread. Homes on hills, or at the top of hills, face the greatest risk from wildfire, so if your home is located on a hill, consider taking extra measures
All residents at risk should rush up on “Firesmart” landscaping techniques, such as keeping trees at least three metres apart and well pruned. Lower limbs should be removed to at least two metres above ground, and trees should not be planted within 10 metres of your home. Smaller, fire-resistant shrubs can be planted 1.5 metres or more from your home.
Other ways to reduce damage caused by wildfire include:
- Not storing gas, propane, or other fuel under your deck or porch or anywhere near your home.
- Always making sure your roof is in good condition and free from flammable debris.
- Installing metal mesh screens over vents and under your deck to prevent embers from getting into the envelope of your home.
- Keeping firewood at least 10 metres away.
- Keeping your green areas thinned out, deadwood picked up off the ground, and trees well-spaced out from each other (three metres is advised).
Canada’s “FireSmart Begins at Home” app allows homeowners to engage in voluntary wildfire mitigation activities through a self-conducted home assessment. It is available through both the Apple Store and Google Play.
Live in an area prone to wildfire? Keep up to date
The Alberta Emergency Alerts page provides regular updates or updates and advisories on all provincial emergencies. The page will tell you if alerts are level Critical, which means action should be taken immediately, Advisory, which means you should be preparing for action, or if the alert was simply a Test. Residents can also download the Alberta Emergency Alert app for information on emergencies and evacuations.
Lane’s Insurance covers Alberta
Insurance brokers such as us at Lane’s work for you, not the insurance companies, which is why you can trust us more than the others. We have access to a number of different policies from Canada’s best insurance providers, which we can compare to find you excellent coverage at great rates. We know the right questions to ask to help you determine the right amount of coverage for your property and your belongings and can ensure your policy provides for living expenses while necessary repairs are being carried out to your home after a disaster.
You can rely on your broker for the professional service necessary to help you make a smart, educated decision about your home insurance. Contact us at our Calgary, Edmonton, Banff and Alberta offices.
