Wildfire Madness in Saskatchewan
So, if you haven’t heard, Saskatchewan kicked off this wildfire season with a bang—or should I say a blaze? At the end of May, the province declared a state of emergency. Yeah, that’s a big deal. It’s not like wildfires are new, but this year’s intensity definitely took a toll. Can you imagine the panic?
Just picture it: flames licking at the edge of forests, hot dry winds fueling the inferno. But what’s wild is that it wasn’t just the provincial fire crews who were in the thick of it. A private company jumped into the fray, and it was here to protect properties. Talk about an unexpected twist in the plot!
This year, Saskatchewan’s fire season wasn’t just bad for folks living in the bush; it was a wake-up call for homeowners. Getting some extra safety measures in place? Definitely a priority!
WDS to the Rescue
Meet Wildfire Defense System (WDS). For the first time, SGI Canada made a deal with these guys to protect insured properties in good ol’ Saskatchewan. Sounds like a superhero squad, right? Honestly, it kinda is! When things got really dicey with the Shoe Fire, about ten WDS field personnel—trained wildland firefighters—swooped into the province like the cavalry. They even went to Candle Lake.
These folks were there for around ten days, keeping a watchful eye on almost 100 properties. You know, if you’ve ever had to protect your investment, you’d get it. Watching someone step in to defend your home? Probably puts your mind at ease.
But let me tell you, these aren’t your typical firefighters. They’ve got this unique approach. Instead of running towards the flames with hoses in hand, they focus on protecting homes ahead of the oncoming danger. It’s like they’re preparing for a party when they know a storm is about to hit!
How They Do It
Scott Eskwitt, WDS’s spokesperson, explained their tactical approach. It’s not fire fighting in the classic sense. They call it “wildfire intervention services.” Intrigued? You should be! Their goal is to “harden” homes for a short window of time—between around two to ten minutes—while a wildfire rolls through. That’s just enough time to shield your home from those pesky embers flying around.
So, what does that entail? Well, they do a bit of spring cleaning, even if it’s summer. They’d move anything flammable away from the home, clean the gutters, stash deck furniture, and seal up potential openings. I mean, who doesn’t want their house to be the last standing fortress in a fiery apocalypse?
Here’s a pro tip: most properties don’t burn from the outside in. Nope. It’s those sneaky embers that can flutter into your house and start fires from the inside out. Seriously, if you’ve ever seen one of those embers land on a dry surface, it’s like watching a villain sneak into the vault!
Not Your Average Firefighters
Here’s the kicker—these WDS folks aren’t trying to put the fire out directly. Once they’ve done all they can, they step back and wait. They’re not heroes in the sense you might think; they’re more like safety nets. After the fire has passed, they go back to check out the properties, keeping an eye out for any hot spots. Makes sense, right?
Scott boasted a stunning 99.7 percent survivability rate for properties they work on. I mean—wow! You’d totally want that kind of safety record when things go south. It’s kinda like having that friend who’s always there to help when life gets a tad messy!
They coordinate with local authorities, too, just to ensure everything is on the up and up. Safety first, am I right? WDS only works with insurance companies—no granola-munching folks trying to protect their tiny hut in the woods.
A Growing Presence
WDS didn’t just pop up in Saskatchewan without some background. They kicked off operations in Canada last year, starting in B.C. and Alberta, and now they’re expanding. They’ve even set up an office in Leduc, Alberta. Looks like they’ve caught on that they’re needed and welcomed here. Who knew wildfires could lead to job availability?
Scott noted that Canadian insurance companies reached out to them due to rising property losses. The insurance world is definitely evolving: there’s a light bulb moment happening where they realized that protecting properties beforehand is way better than sending out a claim check later!
Always a good idea to get ahead of the problem. It’s like getting your flu shot before the flu season hits. Prevention is key, right?
Partners in Protection
SGI Canada, in its statement, pointed out that they noticed WDS during the devastating Jasper wildfire last summer. They protected a whopping 518 properties with just a single loss. You know things are serious when one loss instead of hundreds feels like a win. Even amidst chaos, a little luck goes a long way!
The worst part for many? Last summer marked the highest level of insurance losses from weather-related damages in Canadian history, according to SGI. That’s not a record anyone wants to hold. It’s wild to think about how those climate changes could be impacting our everyday safety!
Given WDS’s impressive track record and their decision to partner up, SGI clearly saw an opportunity to beef up their coverage with extra layers of protection. It’s like adding extra toppings to your pizza—you want it loaded, right?
Wildfire Defense for Everyone
But here’s where things get interesting. While WDS is great at what they do, Scott made it clear that their services don’t replace the efforts of homeowners to make their properties fire-safe. As much as we love a good superhero story, every homeowner is still responsible for doing their part.
It’s like cleaning your room before your parents check in. You wouldn’t expect someone else to do it for you, right? You still need to keep your space tidy as best as you can.
WDS is an added layer, complementing existing wildfire defenses. Think of it as having a buddy who shows up to hang out during a storm, but you still need to batten down the hatches yourself!
FAQ: Wildfire Defense System 101
What exactly does Wildfire Defense System do?
WDS specializes in protecting homes from wildfires without actually putting the fires out. They prep properties to withstand embers and slow down the risk from wildfires.
How effective is WDS in protecting properties?
They boast a 99.7% survivability rate for properties they work on, based on past experiences in various provinces.
Do homeowners have to take any additional steps?
Yep! While WDS provides terrific services, homeowners are still encouraged to make their properties fire-safe and maintain that safety.
Is WDS available for individuals or just insurance companies?
WDS contracts exclusively with insurance companies, not directly with homeowners, to offer protection for insured properties.
What’s the origin of WDS in Canada?
WDS started its operations in Canada last year, originally focusing on British Columbia and Alberta, before expanding to Saskatchewan due to increasing wildfire needs.
