Fire Smart Your Property: Simple Steps That Can Help Protect Your Home 

Posted on:
August 6, 2026

Wildfire is a growing concern across Canada, including here in rural Nova Scotia. While no property can ever be completely wildfire-proof, there are practical steps every homeowner in Victoria County can take to reduce the risk of a wildfire spreading to their home. 

Many homes are damaged not by flames themselves, but by wind-blown embers that can travel hundreds of metres ahead of a wildfire. The good news is that small changes around your home and property can make a big difference. 

Start with the area closest to your home 

The first 1.5 metres around your home is the most important area to protect. 

Create a non-combustible zone by removing combustible materials such as mulch, leaves, firewood, and other flammable items from around your home’s foundation and beneath decks. Keep decks and balconies free of leaves, pine needles, and other debris that can easily ignite. 

Keep your property well maintained 

Regular property maintenance helps reduce wildfire risk. 

• Keep grass and weeds shorter than 10 centimetres. 
• Prune tree branches to create at least two metres of clearance from the ground. 
• Clean leaves and debris from your roof and gutters. 
• Store firewood at least 10 metres away from your home during wildfire season. 
• Maintain sheds, garages, and other outbuildings using the same FireSmart principles as your home. 

Make your home more ember resistant 

Small improvements can help prevent embers from entering your home. 

Installing non-combustible 3-millimetre metal screens over exterior vents (except dryer vents) can help keep embers out. Choosing wildfire-resistant trees, shrubs, and plants for your landscaping can also reduce the chance of fire spreading through your yard. 

Have a plan before you need it 

Every household should have a wildfire evacuation plan. 

Know more than one way out of your neighbourhood, decide where your family will meet if you become separated, and prepare an emergency kit that can be taken with you quickly if an evacuation is ordered. 

Assess your property 

Not sure where to start? 

FireSmart Canada offers free tools to help homeowners identify ways to reduce wildfire risk around their property. 

Download the FireSmart Begins at Home app or print the FireSmart Home Ignition Scorecard and do a self-assessment of your home and property to learn what improvements you can make. 

Every property is different, but every action you take helps improve your home’s resilience. 

To learn more about protecting your home from wildfire, visit FireSmart Canada.