Returning home after a wildfire

Prepare for your return home with the following:

• A full tank of gas
• Proper clothing for all types of weather
• Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), a flashlight, clean-up materials and disposal bags
• Enough bottled water for the next two days
• Food for the next two days, including any special dietary needs
• Any medications you require
• If applicable, have the Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) conducted by the SLRD handy so you have an awareness of any recommendations contained in the document

If you or anyone that lives with you suffers from a respiratory illness, consider delaying your return is the air quality is poor.

When you return to an area affected by wildfire, everything might look different from when you left and some hazards may not be immediately obvious. Take your time, use caution and check essential services and your surroundings before settling back in. Pay particular attention to water, utilities, damaged trees and structures, and continue to give emergency crews the space they need to work. 

• Water – Having bottled water is recommended. If you are on a well, have it tested even if the impacted area is not on your property. (Chlorination may be needed.)
• Electricity – Stay away from and do not touch BC Hydro infrastructure (lines, poles, towers, hydro boxes, etc.). Assume that any fallen or damaged infrastructure is live and dangerous. If you have questions, have no service or are experiencing fluctuations in electrical service quality contact BC Hydro at 1-888-769-3766 (1-888-POWERON) or *49376 (*HYDRO) on your cell phone.
• Propane, Natural Gas, Oil – If you have concerns regarding your propane, natural gas, or oil equipment please contact your suppliers.
• Traffic – Give way to all emergency and fire fighting vehicles. There will likely still be a lot of personnel in the area. 
• Trees – Burnt/charred trees are unstable, may be a hazard and can fall without warning. If you have insurance and have concerns about trees on your property ask about getting a danger tree assessment done on your property.
• Buildings – Fire damaged buildings and other structures may be a hazard. Standing chimneys are a hazard.
• Wear appropriate protective clothing and footwear, and use a mask and eye protection where ash or debris is present. 
• Watch for ash or debris that may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos or toxic residue. Mark or restrict access to hazards where possible.

A Rapid Damage Assessment (RDA) may have been undertaken by the SLRD for your property after it has been impacted by wildfire. If  that is the case for you, read the assessment document carefully to be aware of any recommendations you should consider before or when entering your property.

If the Rapid Damage Assessment may have recommendations (such as securing specific areas on your property, or obtaining an environmental assessment), please consider what you need to do to carry out those recommendations. Find information on Rapid Damage Assessments on the BC Housing website. 

BC Housing Post Disaster Building Assessment

Review your insurance information or other options

Insurance options available depend on ownership of the home and insurance coverage.

If you are insured:

• Contact your insurance company/broker as soon as possible. 
• Create an inventory of household items, both inside and outside the buildings, which have been damaged by fire. Do not throw away any damaged goods until after the inventory is made by the insurance assessor.
• Ensure the time and date on your camera is accurate. Photograph or videotape the damage as much as possible. 
• Work with your insurance company and their accredited fire restoration companies to try to restore or rebuild your home.
• If you have questions about your home insurance, call your insurance directly or call the Insurance Bureau of Canada toll-free at 1-844-2-ASK-IBC.

If you are not insured: 

• Check with your local, private service organizations to see what help you may be eligible for such as Canadian Red Cross, Salvation Army, local religious organizations, Provincial or municipal Emergency Support Services (ESS), Non-profit crisis centres. As we become aware of supports that are available they will be shared here.