A common misconception about how homes ignite during wildfires is that the flames from the fire itself are the primary cause. In reality, homes are often ignited by embers that are carried ahead of the main fire. This phenomenon is known as “spotting” or “ember transplant.” While ash from the fire can be transported over greater distances, it is not burning and does not cause ignition. Embers can be lifted into the air by the convection column, and in British Columbia, it is accepted that they can be commonly carried up to two kilometres away. During the West Kelowna fire, spotting occurred over Okanagan Lake, reaching distances of two and a half kilometres ahead of the fire.
Wildfire risk reduction treatments are part of the solution. However, it is still essential to minimize or eliminate the chances of ignition on our homes and neighbourhoods from embers or direct fire contact. The fact that embers can travel more than two kilometres means that natural features such as wetlands, rivers, and lakes do not provide the level of protection from wildfires that many people believe. This limitation also applies to constructed features like roads and highways.
Fire Smarting or “hardening” your home and yard to Wildfire can greatly reduce the chances of ignition. It is essential that we do this on an individual and community level.
