Our Latest Advice

Updated July 2026

Wildfires are a natural part of Canada’s forest ecosystems, but recent fire seasons have shown how quickly they can threaten communities, homes, cabins, businesses and critical infrastructure.

The 2025 season was the second-worst wildfire season in Canadian history. More than 6,000 fires burned over 8.3 million hectares and forced more than 85,000 people to evacuate across the country.

Atlantic Canada was not spared.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, evacuation orders were issued during the summer of 2025 for communities and areas that included Small Point–Adam’s Cove–Blackhead–Broad Cove, Kingston, Western Bay, Perry’s Cove, Ochre Pit Cove, Salmon Cove and sections of Holyrood and Conception Bay South. A regional state of emergency was later declared for parts of the Bay de Verde Peninsula, Conception Bay South, Paradise, Southlands and Galway because of out-of-control wildfires.

In Nova Scotia, the Long Lake wildfires in Annapolis County destroyed 20 homes and damaged or destroyed 11 other buildings. A total of 505 civic addresses were evacuated, and 518 evacuees registered with the Canadian Red Cross. Later in the season, the Lake George wildfire in Kings County led to additional evacuation orders and emergency assistance for displaced residents.

The risk has continued into 2026. Evacuation orders and alerts were issued earlier this summer for the Duley Lake, Throne Lake, Tamarack Golf Course Road and Walsh River cabin areas near Labrador City. A province-wide fire ban was introduced on July 8 because of elevated fire-weather conditions and extensive wildfire activity in Labrador. Although the ban was lifted on July 17, forest fire season remains in effect in Labrador until September 30, and residents are still expected to check daily fire conditions and follow provincial and municipal restrictions.

These events are important reminders that wildfire risk in Atlantic Canada is real—and that conditions can change quickly.

Start Closest to Your Property

One of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk is to manage the vegetation, debris and combustible materials around your home, cabin or business.

Wildfire protection begins with three areas surrounding the building.

Immediate Zone: 0 to 1.5 metres

The area directly beside the building should be kept as free from combustible material as possible

• Remove leaves, pine needles, dead grass and other debris.
• Avoid wood mulch, decorative bark and wood chips near the foundation.
• Use gravel, stone, concrete or pavers where practical.
• Do not store firewood, furniture or equipment under decks, porches or eaves.
• Keep exterior stairs, entrances, vents and utility areas clear.

Intermediate Zone: 1.5 to 10 metres

This area should be maintained to help prevent a ground fire from moving toward the building.

• Keep grass cut and remove dead vegetation.
• Use low-growing, fire-resistant plants.
• Space shrubs and trees to prevent branches from overlapping.
• Prune lower branches that could allow fire to climb into taller trees.
• Move firewood, lumber, fuel and other combustible materials farther away.

Extended Zone: 10 to 30 metres

The objective in the outer zone is to reduce the intensity of a wildfire as it approaches the property.

• Thin areas of dense vegetation.
• Remove deadfall, dry grasses and accumulated leaves.
• Prune lower tree branches.
• Keep driveways and emergency access routes clear.
• Work with neighbouring property owners where your protection zones overlap.

The attached wildfire guidance recommends managing vegetation differently within the first 1.5 metres, from 1.5 to 10 metres and from 10 to 30 metres surrounding a building.

Look for Everyday Items That Could Fuel a Fire

A well-maintained property can still be vulnerable when combustible materials are stored close to buildings.

Review the location of:

• Firewood and lumber
• Propane and fuel
• Construction materials
• Waste and recycling containers
• Patio furniture and cushions
• Outdoor equipment
• Trailers, pallets and storage bins
• Leaves and needles in gutters
• Materials stored under decks or canopies

Store firewood, lumber and construction materials at least 10 metres from buildings where possible. Do not stack wood underneath decks, porches or roof overhangs. Keep waste containers closed and away from structures and vegetation.

Help Protect Your Building From Embers

Wind-driven embers can travel ahead of a wildfire and enter buildings through roofs, vents, eaves, windows and other openings.

Some improvements involve simple maintenance. Others can be considered when renovating or replacing exterior components.

Roofs and gutters

• Clean leaves and needles from roofs and gutters.
• Repair damaged shingles and roofing materials.
• Consider fire-resistant roofing when replacement is required.

Vents and openings

• Inspect exterior vents and screens.
• Repair damaged or missing screens.
• Seal gaps that could allow embers into attics, crawl spaces or walls.
• Consider ember-resistant vents where appropriate.

Decks and exterior walls

• Remove debris and combustible materials from under decks.
• Keep firewood and patio furniture away from exterior walls.
• Consider fire-resistant siding, decking and exterior materials during future renovations.

Windows and doors

• Repair damaged panes, frames and seals.
• Keep windows and doors closed when smoke or embers are present.
• Consider tempered glass and fire-resistant exterior doors when undertaking major improvements.

The source guidance identifies non-combustible exterior materials, ember-resistant ventilation and properly sealed windows and doors as important building-protection measures.

Prepare Homes, Cabins and Cottages

Seasonal and recreational properties can face added risks because they may be surrounded by vegetation, vacant for extended periods or located farther from fire services.

Before and during wildfire season:

• Keep the civic address visible from the road.
• Make sure emergency vehicles can access the property.
• Maintain driveways and private roads.
• Store firewood, propane and fuel away from the cabin.
• Clear debris from roofs, decks, sheds and outbuildings.
• Arrange for someone to check the property when you are away.
• Keep an updated inventory of contents, recreational equipment and outbuildings.
• Review seasonal-occupancy and property-check requirements in your insurance policy.

Make Sure Emergency Responders Can Reach You

Rural homes, cabins and commercial properties can present additional challenges during an emergency.

Ask:

• Is the civic address clearly visible?
• Can emergency vehicles access the driveway or yard?
• Are gates, loading areas and fire routes unobstructed?
• Is there more than one route away from the property?
• Are hydrants, tanks, ponds or other water sources accessible?
• Are utility shutoffs and fire-protection systems clearly identified?

The guidance emphasizes clear access and exit routes, visible building identification and accessible firefighting water supplies.

Create an Evacuation Plan Before You Need It

Wildfires can change direction quickly. An alert means you should be ready to leave. An evacuation order means you should leave immediately and follow the instructions of emergency officials.

For households

Your plan should include:

• More than one evacuation route
• A family meeting location
• Medication and important documents
• Food, water and supplies for pets
• Transportation arrangements
• Plans for children, older adults and anyone requiring assistance
• A 72-hour emergency kit
• Provincial and municipal emergency alerts

For businesses

Your plan should also include:

• An emergency lead and alternate decision-makers
• Employee and visitor assembly points
• A method for accounting for everyone
• Assistance for people with mobility or transportation needs
• Employee notification procedures
• Emergency contact lists
• Procedures for closing or securing the premises
• Safe shutdown procedures for machinery and utilities
• Regular training and evacuation practice

The source recommends site-specific evacuation procedures, multiple exit routes, assembly points, assigned emergency responsibilities and plans for people requiring transportation or additional assistance.

Protect Important Documents and Records

Important records can be difficult to replace after a major loss.

Homeowners and cabin owners should store secure digital copies of:

• Insurance policies
• Property inventories
• Photographs of belongings
• Receipts for major purchases
• Identification documents
• Renovation records
• Property surveys and building information

Businesses should protect:

• Customer and supplier records
• Contracts and leases
• Accounting and payroll information
• Employee contact information
• Equipment and stock inventories
• Insurance policies and claims contacts
• Information needed to continue operations

Store backups securely off-site or in a protected cloud environment. The original guidance recommends digitizing critical documents and maintaining off-site or cloud-based backups.

Could Your Business Continue Operating?

A business can be disrupted by wildfire even when its own building is not directly damaged.

Evacuation orders, road closures, smoke, power outages, employee displacement and supplier interruptions can all affect operations.

A business continuity plan should identify:

• The operations that must be restored first
• How long the business could operate without its usual premises
• Remote-work or alternate-location procedures
• Backup suppliers and service providers
• Access to payroll, accounting and operating systems
• Employee, customer and supplier communications
• Emergency spending authority
• Procedures for continuing orders, payments and customer service
• The order in which services and operations will be restored

Review Your Insurance Before Wildfire Risk Increases

The best time to review your insurance is before a wildfire threatens your area. Insurers may restrict new coverage or policy changes once a property is under an immediate threat.

Home and tenant insurance

Standard homeowner and tenant policies generally cover damage caused by fire. Additional living expense coverage may also help with the increased costs of accommodations, meals and other necessities following an insured loss or a mandatory evacuation, subject to policy limits and conditions. Keep all receipts and speak with your insurance representative as soon as possible.

Auto insurance

Fire damage to a vehicle is generally covered only when comprehensive or all-perils coverage has been purchased. This coverage is not mandatory, so vehicle owners should confirm what their policies include.

Business insurance

Commercial property insurance generally covers insured wildfire damage to buildings and business property. Business interruption coverage is normally separate or optional and can vary significantly between policies. Coverage for an evacuation order, loss of access, supplier interruption or lost income depends on the wording, conditions, limits and waiting periods in the individual policy.

Review:

• Building and rebuilding limits
• Contents, stock and equipment
• Detached structures
• Additional living expenses
• Commercial property coverage
• Business interruption and extra expense
• Civil authority or restricted-access coverage
• Deductibles and waiting periods
• Seasonal-property conditions
• Recent renovations and major purchases

If You Need to Make a Wildfire Claim

Contact Munn Insurance as soon as it is safe.

1. Follow all evacuation and re-entry instructions.
2. Photograph and document damage when authorities confirm it is safe.
3. Prepare a list of damaged or destroyed belongings, equipment or stock.
4. Take reasonable steps to prevent further damage without putting yourself at risk.
5. Keep receipts for accommodations, meals, transportation, cleanup, emergency repairs and replacement of essential items.
6. Speak with your adjuster before starting permanent repairs or disposing of major damaged property.

Insurance Bureau of Canada recommends contacting your insurance representative promptly, documenting damage and retaining receipts and purchase records to support the claim.

Stay Informed Throughout Wildfire Season

Conditions can change from one day to the next. Follow current information from provincial and municipal authorities, including:

• Daily wildfire-risk maps
• Active wildfire information
• Fire bans and burning restrictions
• Provincial and municipal emergency alerts
• Road closures
• Air Quality Health Index updates

In Newfoundland and Labrador, forest fire season runs until September 30 on both the Island and in Labrador. Nova Scotia’s statutory wildfire-risk season runs from March 15 to October 15, with daily burning restrictions updated throughout the season.

Conclusion

Preparation Today Can Make Recovery Easier Tomorrow

Wildfires cannot always be prevented, but preparation can reduce their potential impact.

Removing combustible materials, maintaining vegetation, protecting buildings from embers, keeping emergency access routes clear and preparing an evacuation plan can all help protect people and property.

For businesses, preparation also means protecting critical records, identifying the operations that must be restored first and planning how employees, customers and suppliers will be kept informed during a disruption.

Wildfire resilience is a shared responsibility. Property owners, businesses, neighbours, municipalities and local fire services all have a role in creating safer, better-prepared communities. The original Ecclesiastical guidance similarly emphasizes that clearing vegetation, safeguarding buildings, training people and coordinating with neighbours and emergency services can strengthen community resilience.

Stay informed throughout wildfire season, follow all instructions from emergency officials and leave immediately when an evacuation order is issued.

Review your insurance before wildfire risk becomes imminent. A Munn Insurance advisor can help you understand your home, cabin, auto or business coverage and identify areas that may require attention.

References and Resources

Newfoundland and Labrador

Wildfire Management: Current information on forest fire season, prevention, restrictions, fire bans and reporting wildfires.

Daily Wildfire Risk: Check the daily Fire Weather Index for regions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The map considers temperature, humidity, wind, rainfall and moisture conditions and is updated daily.

NL Active Wildfires: View the location, status and estimated size of active wildfires across the province.

Forest Fire Season: In 2026, forest fire season runs from May 1 to September 30 on the Island of Newfoundland and from May 15 to September 30 in Labrador.

Provincial Emergency Alerts: Official evacuation notices, emergency instructions and public safety updates.

Report a Wildfire: Call: 1-866-709-FIRE (3473)

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Wildfire Information: Wildfire prevention, fire-weather information, reporting instructions and guidance on what to do during a wildfire. Nova Scotia’s wildfire season runs from March 15 to October 15.

BurnSafe Map: Daily provincial burning restrictions are updated during wildfire season. Open fires are not permitted between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., and municipal restrictions may also apply.

Emergency Information Nova Scotia: Official emergency alerts, evacuation information, road conditions and public safety updates.

Report a Wildfire or Burning Violation: Call: 1-800-565-2224 or 911

National Preparedness and Safety Resources

FireSmart Canada: Property-protection information, self-assessments, checklists and renovation guidance. FireSmart’s Home Ignition Zone divides the area within 30 metres of a home into Immediate, Intermediate and Extended zones.

Home Ignition Zone

Resources and checklists:
https://firesmartcanada.ca/resources-2/

Canadian Wildland Fire Information System: National maps and information covering active fires, fire danger, weather and smoke forecasts.

Wildfire Smoke and Air Quality – Health Canada information on wildfire smoke, current air-quality conditions, Air Quality Health Index forecasts and ways to reduce smoke exposure. Smoke can affect air quality far from the active fire zone.

Air Quality Health Index

Insurance and Claims Resources

Insurance Bureau of Canada — Wildfires and Insurance:  Information on home, vehicle and business insurance, mandatory evacuations, additional living expenses and the wildfire claims process.

About Munn Insurance

Munn Insurance is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest independent insurance brokers, with roots dating back to 1904 and its formal establishment in 1949.

Munn provides home, auto, cabin, leisure, group and business insurance to individuals, families and organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.

As an independent broker, Munn works for its customers—not one insurance company. Our advisors compare options from a broad network of insurance providers, help customers understand their coverage and provide local assistance when a claim occurs.

Questions about your coverage?

A Munn Insurance advisor can help you review your home, cabin, auto or business insurance and understand the protection you have in place.

Call 1-855-726-8627 or contact Munn Insurance online at www.munninsurance.com.