Westland Insurance has released a wildfire preparedness and recovery guide as the 2025 wildfire season begins, with several fires currently being monitored across Canada.
The guide aims to help individuals and businesses take practical steps to manage wildfire risks and support recovery efforts. It includes information on staying informed through provincial wildfire alerts and evacuation notices, as well as recommended actions during evacuations and accessing emergency services.
The resource also outlines measures to reduce fire exposure, including developing a wildfire plan, modifying landscaping and securing building access points. It also provides guidance on assembling emergency kits tailored to the needs of households and businesses.
Westland Insurance said the guide is part of its broader effort to assist communities facing wildfire-related risks. The company noted that the resource can help clients review insurance coverage, understand the claims process and identify recovery options.
Advisors from Westland will also be available to support policyholders throughout the wildfire season.
The 2025 wildfire season has already seen significant activity across several provinces in Canada, leading to evacuations and concerns about air quality in affected areas and neighbouring regions.
As of June 1, 2025, over 25,000 residents have been evacuated due to active wildfires, with Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta being the most affected.
In Manitoba, approximately 17,000 people have been evacuated, including more than 5,000 from the town of Flin Flon. The fire near Flin Flon began in Creighton, Saskatchewan, and quickly spread into Manitoba. Fire crews have struggled to contain the blaze, with water bombers being intermittently grounded due to heavy smoke and drone interference.
The fire has also caused power outages in the community of Cranberry Portage, leading to a mandatory evacuation order for around 600 residents.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan has declared a state of emergency as wildfires continue to threaten communities. The province has experienced hot, dry weather, allowing some fires to grow and stretch firefighting resources. Evacuations have been ordered in several communities, and officials are urging residents to stay informed and follow evacuation orders.
In Alberta, over 1,300 people have been evacuated due to ongoing wildfires. The fires have affected oil operations, with companies such as MEG Energy and Cenovus Energy scaling back operations and evacuating nonessential staff from their facilities. Despite the evacuations, oil production at these sites remains unaffected.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging residents in affected areas to stay informed through official channels and adhere to evacuation orders and safety guidelines.
