Canadian insurer rolls out pilot to assist in wildfire home protection [Video]

Wildfires are already burning in parts of Western Canada and with warnings of a particularly active season yet again this year, the country’s largest property and casualty insurer is testing a pilot project to help eligible Canadians protect their homes.

Intact Financial Corporation on Tuesday announced a partnership with Montana’s Wildfire Defense Systems to provide eligible Albertans and British Columbians with loss prevention and suppression services when their homes are threatened by wildfires less than five kilometres away.

If a fire gets that close to the home, trained fire personnel will undertake tasks including the removal of materials around the property that could fuel a fire — like firewood or propane tanks — and covering exterior vents and closing exterior windows and doors. The crews may also set up temporary sprinkler systems, which would potentially temper fire activity nearby, but also fire retardant if necessary to prevent further damage to a home.

Rosa Nelson, vice-president of sales and business development, …