The Rocky Start to Saskatchewan’s Wildfire Season
Ah, Saskatchewan. Known for its stunning prairies and lush forests. But this year, Mother Nature had different plans. The wildfire season kicked off with a bang, and not a good one. Can you believe we declared a state of emergency at the end of May? That’s a real kick in the gut.
As smoke billowed and flames threatened homes, our provincial fire crews stepped up to the plate. But, they’re not the only ones in the game. For the first time, a private company swooped in to help—a move that made quite the splash across the province.
I remember chatting with some folks who live near Candle Lake. They were anxious. The wildfire reports dominated the news and added an eerie tension to summer gatherings. What would happen to their homes? Their summer plans had literally gone up in smoke.
WDS to the Rescue
Enter Wildfire Defense System (WDS), the hero we didn’t know we needed. SGI Canada decided to team up with these folks, and it turns out, they brought some serious firefighting backup to Saskatchewan. Trust me, when you’re worried about fire creeping up on your property, having extra hands on deck is a game changer.
With the Shoe Fire blazing through the region, WDS promptly sent about ten trained wildland firefighters to help shield local properties. Talk about a lifesaver. Just imagine, they’re like the cavalry arriving just when everyone’s starting to panic.
These WDS personnel weren’t just hanging out waiting for flames to engulf properties; they were on a mission. Over the course of ten days, they defended nearly 100 properties that were under threat. I mean, that’s nothing to sneeze at. People could breathe a bit easier knowing backup was there.
How WDS Works Its Magic
So, what exactly does WDS do? I had no clue until I talked to Scott Eskwitt, one of their spokespeople. These guys aren’t running into raging fires like some action hero. Nope. Their game plan is all about intervention. What’s that mean? In short, they get properties as fire-safe as possible for those crucial minutes while a wildfire rolls through.
“We engage in interventions that are designed to simply harden the home for the two to ten minutes it takes for a wildfire to come through,” explained Eskwitt. That’s right, they focus on making homes less susceptible to embers—those sneaky little buggers that can cause so much damage from within.
They clean gutters, move flammable stuff away from houses, removed deck furniture, and even taped openings in homes. All stuff that seems like a pain but can really make the difference when flames start licking at your door. I once had to clean out my gutters after a big storm and trust me, it wasn’t glamorous. But for those living at the fire’s edge, that’s what it’s all about.
They Don’t Fight Fire, They Protect Homes
Here’s the thing: these WDS crews aren’t out there playing hero against the fire directly. Once they’ve done their work, they step back and let nature take its course. They’re like your reliable sidekick, but you’re still gonna be the one in the spotlight. After the fire has passed, they’ll circle back to check properties and deal with any hotspots left behind.
Eskwitt shared an impressive stat—WDS boasts a 99.7 percent property survivability rate. That’s nearly flawless! Sitting around the dinner table last week, I could almost hear my family breathing a sigh of relief at stats like that. Knowing that your property has a solid chance of surviving a wildfire? That’s good news.
However, that doesn’t mean homeowners should drop the ball on fire readiness. WDS isn’t there as a substitute for folks making their properties as fire-safe as possible. You’ve gotta put in the work, too! Think of them as a helping hand, and buddy, every little bit helps.
Living Through the Fire Season
Last summer, the wildfire season was a doozy, hitting all-time records in Canadian insurance claims due to weather losses. Crazy, right? It was during that summer that SGI Canada first caught wind of WDS following the devastating fires in Jasper. They protected 518 properties there with only a single loss. That’s some impressive work. Who wouldn’t want that kind of backup?
This year was just as tough. WDS rolling into town was pretty well-timed. I went to a barbecue with some friends last month, and everyone was talking about the rise in wildfires. It felt like an elephant in the room. Guests laid out their plans for defensible spaces around their homes while munching on grilled hot dogs. Gotta love multi-tasking with a side of anxiety.
SGI recognized the need for WDS now more than ever. “Given their track record and recent expansion of services to Saskatchewan, we felt the time was right to partner with WDS,” their statement read. What a smart move!
My Take on Fire Preparedness
Thinking about fire preparedness makes me reflect on my childhood. My dad always emphasized taking precautions when living close to nature. He’d have me help him clear brush and maintain a defensible space around our home. Little did I know back then how crucial that work would really be. We spent hours outside. Sure, it felt like a chore, but now I see the value.
If you live near wooded areas, don’t skip over the importance of proper preparation! Sure, those wildfires may seem far away, until they aren’t. Local news coverage can shift quickly from “no need to worry” to “state of emergency” in what feels like a blink.
You might think, “Sure, that’s not going to happen to me.” But it can. It does. So, after hearing all of the horror stories of homes lost, I get why people are all about protecting their properties now.
FAQ: The Burning Questions
What does Wildfire Defense System (WDS) actually do?
WDS provides wildfire intervention services primarily focused on making homes more fire-resistant during wildfires. They don’t directly fight fires but prepare homes for the possibility of flames coming close.
How successful is WDS in protecting homes?
According to WDS, they’ve got a whopping 99.7 percent survivability rate for properties they service, making them a reliable option for those looking to protect their homes.
Do I still need to prepare my property for fire season if I hire WDS?
Absolutely! WDS is a great complement to your own efforts, but it isn’t a substitute. Homeowners still need to take steps to protect their properties from potential fires.
Is WDS only available in Saskatchewan?
Nope! They’ve been expanding throughout Canada. They initially started in B.C. and Alberta, but their services are now reaching further, including Saskatchewan. They even opened an office in Leduc, Alberta!
How did SGI Canada decide to partner with WDS?
SGI Canada took notice of WDS during the severe fires in Jasper last summer. They recognized the potential benefits of partnering with WDS based on their impressive track record of protecting properties.
The Road Ahead
As the wildfire season rolls on, it’s important for everyone to stay informed and proactive. Having companies like WDS stepping in can definitely ease the burden, but it’s essential to harness the knowledge and resources available to ensure homes are fire-safe.
It’s not just about the immediate danger; it’s about long-term care. Living near natural landscapes is a privilege, but it comes with responsibilities. And those responsibilities can get overwhelming. But taking it one step at a time can free you from the panic that wildfires evoke.
Next time you’re outdoors enjoying nature, think about how wildfires can impact your life—even if it’s not right at your doorstep. Remember, it’s just a few minutes between safety and chaos, and with proper precautions, you might just keep the flames at bay.
