Wildfires more than a West Coast issue

With National Wildfire Awareness Month underway, it’s crucial to recognize wildfires are not confined to the West Coast. Recent wildfires in Minnesota, Florida and North Carolina serve as a stark reminder that these destructive events can occur anywhere, impacting communities far beyond traditionally wildfire-prone areas.

According to the National Interagency Fire Center, an above-normal fire potential exists this month in areas such as western Minnesota, the Mid-Atlantic and Florida, emphasizing the widespread nature of wildfire risks. So far this year, more than 25,000 wildfires have been reported – surpassing the 10-year average of just over 18,000 wildfires.

“Wildfires can happen at any time and almost anywhere, causing catastrophic damage to property,” said Sarah Veader, Church Mutual’s assistant vice president – Risk Control. “It’s essential for all communities to be prepared.”

In the event of a wildfire threat, there are three steps you can take to mitigate risk:

• Monitor - Monitor local news and give yourself time to prepare for potential evacuation. Wildfires can spark and spread rapidly. It’s important to establish a plan to evacuate people and valuables if your structure is threatened.
• Prevent - Remove brush and combustible materials such as outdoor furniture and dead or dying tree limbs, clear debris from gutters and cover vents. Create a buffer zone around your building.
• Defend - Consider installing emergency sprinklers to activate if a fire overtakes your structure. Private wildfire suppression trucks can be contracted to clear nearby debris and, if necessary, spray a fire-retardant gel on a building to protect it.

For more information to protect your buildings from wildfire, visit Church Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. (a stock insurer)’s Wildfire Resources page.

‍