Coming Home After a Wildfire Evacuation Order is Rescinded
Updated: 07/08/2021
As evacuation orders are rescinded in wildfire areas, and residents are able to return home to their communities, journey safely by checking the Drive BC website to plan your route. Drive with care and follow all recommended travel routes.
Evacuation updates are made regularly on the Emergency Info BC website. If your area remains on Evacuation Alert, remember to restock your emergency kit with water, first aid, medications, and supplies in case an Evacuation Order is issued again.
I’m Home, What’s Next?
Whether you were gone for a few days or a few weeks, returning home can be a startling experience. Your surroundings may look very different from when you left. If your home is safe to enter, proceed inside and remember these tips to ensure a smooth claims process.
Spoilage
Be cautious with food stored during your time away. Damage to food occurs from unsafe temperatures, smoke, ash, fire retardant, and loss of power. Discard food that is spoiled, as well as food that has been stored in a refrigerator or freezer that has lost power, even if the power has since been restored. Throw out all food that has spoiled. Keeping an inventory of what was lost will help you make a claim for the cost of the food on your home insurance policy.
Smoke Damage
Even though you closed windows and doors when you left, your home may have smoke damage. Our claims representatives can help answer any questions you have.
Fire Retardant
The red fire retardant used by first responders may be on top of your home, shed, or detached outbuildings. It can be removed easily with water. If the fire retardant is dry, scrubbing, and even power washing, may be required. If not, this cleaning can be covered by your home insurance policy.
Contact Claims Representatives
Some residents may be facing a home that has greater damage from fire. If your home is not safe to enter, or is no longer standing, please contact us immediately for assistance.
We encourage you to call our claims line for help when you return to your home.
- 604.881.1250 from Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
For urgent after-hours claims, please call:
- 855.535.0554 BC
- 896.0113 AB, SK, MB, or ON
You may also email us directly at claimsreporting@mutualfirebc.com
