How do homes catch on fire?

As communities grow, new residential developments push us closer to nature’s edge and into the path of wildfires, and unfortunately, many properties face destruction.

While homes can be ignited by direct contact with flames or radiant heat from a wildfire, embers are the most common cause of home ignition. In fact, up to 90% of homes and buildings destroyed during wildfires are ignited by embers from the fire and not the main wildfire front.

Embers, which are burning pieces of airborne wood and vegetation produced by wildfires, travel an average of two kilometres before falling, and even with this distance, they are still capable of igniting with the right fuel, including leaves, twigs, compost piles, and other combustible materials.

Additionally, embers are known to find their way into wood piles and under decks, smoulder unseen for hours, then ignite a nearby structure and spread to neighbouring properties, making it critical for residents in the Thompson-Okanagan region to ensure their properties are fire-resilient.

Fortunately, there are various fire-risk assessments available to help property owners discover and implement wildfire reduction strategies.

Ember transfer in the Thompson-Okanagan

Preliminary findings show that embers from the August 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire in West Kelowna were the primary reason for the spread of fires into other communities in the region.

More specifically, the embers traveled approximately 2.5 km across Okanagan Lake and ignited shrubs such as junipers and cedars, as well as vehicles, boats, and hot tubs, which then set fire to houses in Kelowna.

Removing fire hazards from the non-combustible zone, which extends at least 1.5 metres from a structure, can make all the difference when an ember lands on a property.

To reduce your home’s wildfire risk, contact SparkProof today.