How wildfire crews are avoiding COVID transmission
June 11, 2020 by Greg MeckbachChanging the way firefighters eat their meals in camps, having masks on hand, and social distancing are among the precautions the Saskatchewan government has taken to ensure it responds to disasters with the ongoing pandemic. “In Saskatchewan, we have already…
Dry conditions in Nova Scotia fuelling three large wildfires
May 27, 2020 THE CANADIAN PRESSHALIFAX – Provincial officials in Nova Scotia are warning about the potential for forest fires in dry, humid conditions as firefighters battle three significant wildfires across the province. The fires burning Tuesday follow a weekend blaze near Porters Lake east…
COVID 19 pandemic adds risk to wildfire season: B.C. forests minister
May 21, 2020 THE CANADIAN PRESSNEW HAZELTON, B.C. – The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the danger of British Columbia’s wildfire season and the province’s forests minister says public help is crucial to reduce fires. Doug Donaldson says wildfires caused by humans are preventable and divert…
Federal scientists predict high wildfire risk across Western Canada
May 6, 2020 Bob Weber - THE CANADIAN PRESSEDMONTON – A majority of forests in Canada face a higher-than-normal wildfire risk this summer, say federal scientists. The forecast map from Natural Resources Canada suggests every region west of central Quebec will face an above-average hazard. “We’re starting to…
How this reinsurer views property risk in Fort McMurray
May 4, 2020 by Greg MeckbachSome properties affected by the current flooding in Fort McMurray, Alberta, were also affected by the massive wildfire in 2016 but despite the multiple tragedies, the properties are still considered insurable. “Property in the town of Fort McMurray, Alberta is…
The hard part of managing wildfire risk
February 26, 2020 by Greg MeckbachYour clients may be doing all the right things to manage their wildfire risk, but what about the property halfway down the street? “You can have four homes in a row that are perfectly maintained, just the way they are…
How B.C. plans to address nat cat risk management
October 29, 2019 Dirk Meissner - THE CANADIAN PRESSVICTORIA – The challenges of preventing and responding to devastating wildfires and floods in British Columbia and the prospect of more disasters to come has prompted the government to reassess its emergency management laws. The Emergency Program Act needs to…
The burning question: where is Canada’s national wildfire plan?
October 1, 2019 by Adam MalikEnough talk about wildfire risk has taken place, says Zurich Canada’s risk boss. Now there needs to be real action around building a national strategy on wildfires. It’s been three years since the wildfires in Fort McMurray, Alta., for which…
What’s happening with police report on B.C. wildfire that destroyed more than 200 structures
September 18, 2019 THE CANADIAN PRESSKAMLOOPS, B.C. – The RCMP investigation into the cause of a massive wildfire that destroyed homes and charred nearly 2,000 square kilometres of land in British Columbia has now been passed to the BC Prosecution Service for consideration of charges.…
How this city uses technology to detect wildfire
September 3, 2019 THE ASSOCIATED PRESSANCHORAGE, Alaska – Thermo-sensing cameras were installed in Alaska to help the fire department locate, analyze and monitor wildfires, officials said. The security-like thermography camera is meant to help the Anchorage Fire Department respond to fires faster by providing a…
We will rise from those ashes:’ Ranch still rebuilding two years after
August 30, 2019 Lauren Krugel - THE CANADIAN PRESSCALGARY – Melody Garner-Skiba and her family have had some tough conversations since a wildfire raged into Waterton Lakes National Park in southeastern Alberta two years ago, spread into nearby grassland and destroyed their horse-breeding ranch. “It’s definitely taken a…
Flammable liquid risk should be top of mind for these clients
August 19, 2019 by Greg MeckbachCommercial clients looking for ways of managing wildfire risk should turn their mind at some point to flammable liquid storage. “You wouldn’t want a gas can right up against the building,” said Scott Steinmetz, global head of risk control, MidCorp…