Quick Answer: Wildfire liability determines who is legally responsible for fire damage, based on factors such as negligence, infrastructure ownership, and compliance with provincial and municipal fire safety standards. Wildfire liability can be complex, especially when multiple parties, insurance policies, and jurisdictions are involved. As wildfires become more frequent and destructive across the Okanagan and [...]
Quick Answer: A wildfire risk assessment is an annual review that helps businesses and municipalities identify wildfire hazards, evaluate fire safety, and update response plans to reduce risk and improve emergency readiness. Wildfire risk assessment is no longer a “nice-to-have” for businesses and municipalities, it’s a critical annual exercise. With longer fire seasons, hotter temperatures, [...]
Even as temperatures drop and snow begins to cover much of British Columbia, the threat of wildfire doesn’t disappear. Many residents assume winter brings a complete pause in fire activity, but the reality is more complex. Climate patterns, shifting fuel conditions, and the lingering impacts of past fire seasons mean British Columbians must stay vigilant [...]
Wildfires don’t wait for summer. In British Columbia, dry conditions, dormant vegetation, and strong winds can make winter just as dangerous for fire starts. At SPIEDR, we’ve seen firsthand that year-round preparedness is key to protecting homes, farms, and industrial properties. Winter offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen your wildfire defences while the risk is [...]
Farms and ranches in British Columbia face a unique and escalating wildfire risk. From barns storing hay and fuel to pastures and livestock roaming near forest edges, the potential for damage is broad and multifaceted. At SPIEDR, we’ve worked with rural properties and fire professionals to apply proven wildland/structure-interface protection strategies, and we believe farms [...]
Protecting a campground from wildfire isn’t just about having a hose and hoping for the best. It means building a layered strategy, starting with: risk assessment, working through mitigation, engineered protection systems, staff training, monitoring and a clear response plan. At SPIEDR, we’ve worked with landowners, fire professionals, and communities, to build infrastructure and systems [...]
What to Do When You're Under a Wildfire Evacuation Alert Stay calm, act fast, and be ready to go. Here’s what every property owner in BC should know. What Is a Wildfire Evacuation Alert? A wildfire evacuation alert is an official warning issued by emergency officials. It means: A wildfire is nearby You must be [...]
Does Rain Really Reduce Wildfire Risk in BC? Understanding the Limits of Rainfall in Preventing Wildfires Why Rain Doesn’t Eliminate Wildfire Danger in BC Many assume a rainy day means wildfire risk disappears-but in BC’s wildfire-prone regions like the Okanagan, that’s far from true. Short-term moisture doesn’t soak deep fuels: Grasses may green up temporarily, [...]
FireSmart Your Property: Integrating SPIEDR Systems with Other Wildfire Mitigation Strategies To protect commercial properties in wildfire-prone BC regions like the Okanagan Valley, integrating SPIEDR’s advanced sprinkler systems with defensible space strategies and fire-smart landscaping can significantly reduce fire risk. 1. Start with Fire-Smart Defensible Space Creating a defensible space is the first line of [...]
Zombie Fires in the Okanagan: How Hidden Wildfires Threaten Businesses in 2025 Most assume wildfire season starts with the summer heat. However, 'zombie fires'—underground holdover fires—can reignite with little warning. For Okanagan businesses, these hidden threats are becoming an increasing concern as warmer winters and prolonged drought make the conditions ripe for re-ignition. What Are [...]