Navigating The 2024 Wildfire Season As A Newcomer To Canada

The Government of Canada has published special processing measures for the 2024 wildfire season, which we’ve summarized below. We’ve also included information about what to do in the event of a wildfire to round out this resource for newcomers to Canada, since you may be dealing with wildfires for the first time. 

Key Takeaways

• The Government of Canada has introduced measures to aid temporary and permanent residents affected by the 2024 wildfire season, including waiving fees for those who need to extend, change, or restore status. 
• Emergency services personnel who come to Canada to help fight wildfires are exempt from application and biometrics fees. 
• It’s important to take steps to prevent wildfires and to know what to do in the event of a wildfire. Newcomers should take the time to familiarize themselves with reliable information from government resources. 

Canada’s Special Processing Measures For The 2024 Wildfire Season

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced policies for the 2024 wildfire season to help temporary and permanent residents who may be affected by fires. The temporary special processing measures are slated to be in place from July 19, 2024 to November 30, 2024.

Measures for Temporary Residents

Here’s a summary of the measures in place for temporary residents: 

• Workers on an employer-specific work permit who are unable to attend their place of employment due to a wildfire can apply for an open work permit. 
• Fees will be waived for an extension or restoration of temporary resident status, replacement of temporary resident documents, work permits, open work permits, study permits, and biometrics for those affected by wildfires. Replacement documents for affected temporary residents will also be provided free of charge. 
• Temporary workers who are unable to work because their workplace is closed will be able to extend their status and may be eligible for an open work permit if their original work permit was employer-specific. 
• International students whose classes are delayed or canceled can extend their study permits and finish their studies without penalty. 
• Visitors, workers, or students who had valid status on July 19 and whose permit expires before September 2, have until Nov 30, 2024 to apply to restore their status. Those whose status expires on or after September 2 have the standard 90 calendar days to apply. 

Measures For Permanent Residents and Citizens

Permanent residents and citizens who are affected by wildfires and need to replace documents will have their fees waived. You may need to pay fees upfront, but they will be refunded if the IRCC officer determines you are eligible for replacement documents under these special measures.

What To Do If You’re New To Canada & There’s A Wildfire

We’ve gathered and summarised some important resources about navigating wildfire season and wildfires in your area: 

Staying Safe During Wildfire Season

We have summarized some of the key points from the Government of Canada Get Prepared resource. Review the document in full for more information. 

Before a Wildfire

1. Stay Informed: Sign up for local emergency alerts and follow trusted news sources for updates on wildfire conditions.
2. Create an Emergency Plan: Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and meeting points. Make sure everyone knows the plan.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit: Pack a kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, medications, important documents, a flashlight, batteries, and a first aid kit. This kit should be easily accessible so you can grab it and go in the event of an evacuation. Learn more about emergency kits.
4. Know Your Area: Familiarize yourself with the wildfire risk in your region and learn the location of nearby shelters and safe zones.
5. Defensible Space: Clear leaves, debris, and flammable materials from around your home to create a defensible space.
6. Fire-Resistant Landscaping: Use fire-resistant plants and materials in your landscaping to reduce the risk of fire spreading to your home.
7. Check Insurance: Ensure your home insurance covers wildfire damage and also check that you have adequate coverage.

During a Wildfire

1. Follow Evacuation Orders: If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately and follow the recommended evacuation routes.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: If you must go outside, wear long sleeves, pants, and a mask to protect yourself from smoke and embers. There is some evidence that wool clothing is less flammable than other fibers, so consider wearing wool clothing. 
3. Keep Windows and Doors Closed: To prevent smoke from entering your home, keep windows, doors, and vents closed. You can also put wet towels 
4. Use Air Purifiers: Use an air purifier to reduce indoor smoke levels and improve air quality.
5. Monitor Air Quality: Check local air quality reports and avoid outdoor activities if the air quality is poor.

What If You’re Evacuated? 

Evacuation can be particularly tricky on newcomers who may have a smaller support circle. If you’re unable to stay with family or friends during an evacuation order, source local support. It’s likely your region will set up support centers with access to food, water, and accommodation. 

You should also contact your home or tenant insurance provider, since you may have coverage for this situation. 

Otherwise, be sure to stay informed and adhere to the evacuation orders. Do not delay evacuating, but if you can, it’s helpful to prepare your property to assist firefighters. Here’s what you can do, according to the government’s Get Prepared website: 

• Close all doors and windows
• Cover vents and other openings to your house to limit smoke entering your house
• Turn on all lights in the house, porch, garage and yard for increased visibility
• Place a ladder to the roof in the front of the house to assist firefighters
• Move propane BBQs and other combustibles, including firewood and lawn furniture away from structures
• Turn off propane or natural gas if you evacuate.