Canyon fires signal worsening trend
Fraser Canyon fires are a preview of what’s coming, according to Andrew Platt, Regional Operations Manager for B.C. at First Onsite. The company is keeping a close eye on the Boston Bar, Fraser Canyon fires, which have prompted residents to evacuate on short notice.
Platt said the dry conditions in the area have allowed fires to spread uncontrollably when wind picks up. They are using these fires as an example to prepare for similar events in other Canadian communities.
Responding to Fast-Moving Fires
The dryness driving the fires is a West Coast story, Platt noted, while the Prairies have seen significant rainfall this year. However, the pattern of fast-moving fires is not confined to one region, with Ontario also experiencing fires with rapid spread and quick-turnaround evacuation notices.
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Platt emphasized the importance of people staying informed and following local wildfire services or community bulletins, as things are unfolding quickly. The industry’s expectations of restoration companies have shifted alongside the risk, with a focus on responding with significant resources and urgency.
Restoration firms are now expected to get into affected communities quickly, begin mitigation and cleanup as soon as possible, and help businesses and homeowners return to normal life sooner. Platt said having available resources and expertise is hugely important, and that’s where First Onsite is focused.
Adapting to the New Normal
The work itself has grown more complex, but the industry has recognized this as its new normal. Policies are changing, and the industry has done a good job of adapting and adjusting its processes. Responding properly increasingly means bringing in specialized professionals, such as hygienists to assess homes affected by heavy smoke.
Platt noted that insurance companies and restoration contractors are coming together to work on what’s unfolding in near real-time. The biggest gap between how homes are built and how prepared they are for wildfire is aging infrastructure, and insurers still need to figure out how they cover that aging stock.
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The conversation around this issue is quite dynamic, with interests pulling in different directions. Platt said the issue underneath is how insurance evolves when large-scale events are happening quicker than ever, and how carriers deliver policies that keep people protected and feeling comfortable.
Restoration Firms as Data Sources
Platt said restoration firms are being asked to respond faster with more resources, while feeding insurers real-time data on how events are shifting. Platt’s comments come as the Fraser Canyon fires continue to spread, serving as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and quick response in the face of natural disasters.
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that the role of restoration firms like First Onsite will be critical in helping communities recover and rebuild. With their expertise and resources, they can help mitigate the effects of disasters like the Fraser Canyon fires and provide valuable insights to insurers and policymakers.
