"The size and scale of the wildfires this summer have been the largest in British Columbia's history," said Aaron Sutherland, Vice-President, Pacific, IBC. "These wildfires are yet more evidence that severe weather events are happening with greater frequency and intensity across Canada. Given these trends, a more disciplined and sustained approach is required to help British Columbians prepare for natural disaster. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play to help build a culture of preparedness in this province."
The wildfires around Williams Lake caused close to $100 million in insured damage to homes, vehicles, and businesses, while the Elephant Hill wildfire caused over $27 million in insured damage. These fires also caused the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents to emergency centres in Kamloops, Prince George, and across the province.
"Immediately following the evacuations, IBC and Canada's insurers were on the ground in BC's interior and Cariboo helping evacuees with their insurance-related questions," added Sutherland. "We were proud to work in close partnership with the Government of British Columbia, Emergency Management BC, local municipalities, and the Canadian Red Cross to help British Columbians affected by these fires get the service and support they needed."
For more information on how to protect property against fires and other disasters please visit IBC's website.