06/10/2026
Being Prepared for Wildfires - A message from Lunenburg REMO - Regional Emergency Management Organization
Hotter temperatures and prolonged dry spells have become increasingly common in Nova Scotia during recent summers. Along with these changing weather patterns has come a rise in wildfires across the province. What was once a relatively rare threat is becoming a more frequent and serious concern for communities, firefighters, and the environment.
Wildfires are fast-moving and unpredictable natural disasters that can threaten homes, wildlife, and human life. Being prepared is not just helpful - it can be lifesaving.
One of the most important steps in wildfire preparedness is creating a defensible space around your home. This means clearing dry vegetation, dead leaves, and flammable materials within at least 30 feet of your house. Trim trees, keep grass short, and store firewood away from structures. These actions reduce the chance that flames will reach your home.
Equally important is having an emergency plan. Every household should establish evacuation routes and a designated meeting point. Practice this plan regularly so everyone knows what to do under pressure. Keep an emergency kit ready with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, and important documents.
Staying informed is another key factor. Monitor local weather conditions and fire alerts, especially during hot, dry, and windy periods when wildfires spread quickly. Authorities often issue evacuation warnings or orders, take them seriously and act early rather than waiting until it’s too late.
Inside your home, consider fire-resistant upgrades. Installing smoke detectors, using fire-resistant roofing materials, and sealing vents can make a significant difference. Closing windows and doors during a nearby fire can also help prevent embers from entering your home.
Personal safety should always come first. If a wildfire is approaching, do not attempt to fight it yourself. Leave immediately if instructed by authorities. Wildfires can change direction rapidly, making them extremely dangerous even for trained professionals.
Community preparedness also plays a role. Working with neighbors to maintain shared spaces and discussing emergency plans can improve safety for everyone. Wildfires often impact entire regions, so coordinated efforts are more effective than individual actions alone.
In summary, wildfire preparedness involves prevention, planning, awareness, and quick action. Taking these steps ahead of time can protect your property and, more importantly, save lives.
For more information on how to prepare yourself and home visit: https://firesmartcanada.ca/
Sign up to Alertable: https://www.townofmahonebay.ca/emergency to receive local emergency alerts and community notifications.
Take simple steps to reduce your home and community’s wildland fire risk with FireSmart Canada’s programs and tools. Increase your resilience today!
