Wildfire Readiness for Alberta Businesses: Practical Steps That Protect Property, People, and Operations Wildfire season in Alberta runs from March 1 to October 31, with an annual average of over 1,300 fires—63% of which are caused by human activity. While not every blaze impacts businesses directly, those that do can cause devastating property loss, lengthy shutdowns, and long-term disruption. At Flash Wildfire Services, we supply wildfire equipment to businesses, landowners, municipalities, and contractors across Alberta. This guide outlines actionable steps businesses can take to reduce wildfire risk—paired with field-ready products we carry and trust. 🔺 Risk Categories to Address Employee safety and smoke exposure Facility damage from fire or suppression efforts Equipment and inventory loss Evacuation disruption Supply chain delays Business continuity interruptions 1. Protecting Employees from Wildfire Hazards Wildfire smoke contains fine particulates that can cause or aggravate: Respiratory illness Cardiovascular issues Eye, nose, and throat irritation Best Practice: Implement a wildfire response plan that includes: Chain of command and emergency contacts Air quality monitoring protocols Evacuation trigger thresholds Protective gear access (e.g. N95 masks, safety eyewear) Communication plans for onsite and remote teams Tip: Monitor Alberta Wildfire Status and AQHI daily during fire season. 2. Protecting Property with Fire Suppression Equipment Creating a reliable water movement and suppression setup is one of the most effective ways to defend your property during wildfire season. Flash Wildfire Services supplies a wide range of professional-grade equipment suited for both permanent installations and mobile deployment. Key categories include: High-pressure fire pumps – Suitable for long hose runs, elevation gain, and fast water delivery Portable pump setups – Lightweight and field-tested for rapid transport and deployment Hose reels and rapid deployment systems – Designed for perimeter coverage and equipment staging Foot valves and strainers – Help maintain clean, uninterrupted suction in open water sources Sprinkler systems – For roofline, structure, or property-edge protection Firefighting hoses and nozzles – Durable, camlock-compatible options for various flow and pressure needs Every setup should be tailored to your property layout, water source, and risk profile. Our team can help you select compatible components to ensure reliable function in real-world wildfire conditions. Don’t forget: Use proper intake lines (1.5" or 2") with foot valves Include quick-connect camlocks and adapters Stage fuel safely using certified containers Keep spare pump tools and field kits on hand 3. Creating a Defensible Zone Within 10 metres of structures: Use fire-resistant landscaping (rock, gravel) Remove dead vegetation and debris Avoid storing flammables beside buildings Clear eaves and rooftops regularly Across the property: Prune tree canopies to maintain 2m clearance from ground Space tree crowns 3–6m apart Store fuels at least 6m from buildings Install metal mesh over vents and soffits Ensure road access: 3.5m wide, 4.5m vertical clearance 4. Securing the Site Before Evacuation If there’s advance notice of wildfire threat: Deploy sprinklers and hose lines Wet down buildings and immediate grounds Close and seal all openings Shut off gas and power Move tools and combustibles indoors Ensure property access is clear for emergency crews 5. Reducing Supply Chain and Operational Risk Wildfires can affect freight, fuel delivery, and vendor availability. Be proactive: Identify alternate suppliers and logistics partners Stock critical inventory ahead of fire season Back up operational data offsite Explore portable power and off-grid comms solutions Communicate risk timelines to customers 6. Preparing for Business Continuity Enable remote work protocols and equipment Cross-train staff for essential functions Cut non-essential expenses early Pre-stage insurance claims materials Prepare re-entry plans for post-evacuation cleanup 7. Insurance and Recovery Support Ensure you’re covered with: Commercial Property Insurance – For fire damage to buildings, tools, and assets Business Interruption Insurance – For lost revenue during evacuation or recovery Review your wildfire-specific coverage with your insurance advisor and ensure coverage is current before fire season begins. Plan Ahead. Act Early. Stay Ready. Wildfires move fast. Your response should be faster. At Flash Wildfire Services, we help Alberta businesses prepare with proven wildfire equipment, fast shipping, and expert guidance. Contact our team to build your custom wildfire defense system before the next alert.

What Property Owners Need to Know Right Now Wildfire activity across Canada and the western United States has surged dramatically this July, with over 500 active fires recorded nationwide and more than 200 burning out of control. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and parts of the Northwest Territories are facing some of the highest fire loads in recent history — triggering new evacuation orders, highway closures, and air quality alerts. Alberta remains under watch, with localized flare-ups and smoke drift affecting air quality in several regions. For both homeowners in wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones and commercial property owners near forested or grassland regions, this isn’t just another bad season. It’s a critical time to re-evaluate your wildfire defense strategy. Key Wildfire Stats (as of July 20, 2025) National Wildfire Database: 561 active wildfires across Canada, with 69 currently classified as out of control. Saskatchewan & Manitoba: These are now the most heavily impacted provinces, with multiple out-of-control fires and recent evacuation orders affecting northern communities. Northwest Territories: Aggressive fire growth near Jean Marie River and Fort Smith continues to drive emergency response efforts. Evacuation Orders: In effect across parts of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories. Air Quality: Dense smoke has caused intermittent air quality alerts across the Prairies, including Saskatoon and southern Manitoba. Calgary and Edmonton are currently in moderate-risk zones. Track Wildfires in Real-Time (Natural Resources Canada) What’s Driving This Surge? Meteorologists attribute the current surge in wildfire activity to a combination of prolonged drought, record-breaking heatwaves, and dry lightning events, particularly across the Prairies and the North. While British Columbia has seen some lightning-caused fires earlier this season, it is not currently a hotspot. The majority of July’s new fire starts have been concentrated in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories, many of them lightning-ignited in dry boreal zones.  Alberta's fire danger remains moderate, with localized areas showing high risk — but it is not under extreme province-wide threat as it was in spring. What This Means for Property Owners For Homeowners: WUI properties are at increased risk from ember attacks — flying embers that ignite roofs, decks, and dry vegetation. Most structure loss during wildfires begins with embers entering attic vents, eaves, and vegetation within 10m of the home. Home defense kits (with fire-rated hose, sprinkler kits, and water supply pumps) are now considered essential in rural zones. Shop Ember Protection Here For Commercial Property Owners: Industrial parks, warehouses, and agricultural facilities adjacent to brush or tree lines must assess: Ventilation intake vulnerabilities Combustible material storage Staff training for emergency response Many commercial claims are denied due to lack of active fire suppression systems or non-compliance with NFPA wildfire readiness guidelines. NFPA Wildfire Preparedness for Businesses Immediate Actions You Can Take Clear Your 0–10 Meter Zone: Remove brush, mulch, and woodpiles. Clean gutters and cut grass. This is the critical ignition zone. Check Your Fire Equipment: Test pumps, hoses, extinguishers, and backup generators. Ensure everything is operable and accessible. Review Your Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your policy covers wildfire-related damage, including smoke and heat exposure. Install Ember Protection: Mesh screens over attic vents, fire-resistant roof materials, and perimeter sprinklers make a measurable difference. What to Expect Next July 25–Aug 10: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories are forecast to remain under high to extreme fire risk due to continued heat and dry conditions. While parts of Alberta may experience above-average temperatures, British Columbia is not projected for record-breaking heat, and fire activity is expected to remain stable. NWT Outlook: Satellite monitoring indicates continued fire growth potential near Fort Smith, Jean Marie River, and the South Slave Region, driven by wind and dry fuel beds. Smoke Plumes: Air quality across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and parts of Ontario is expected to fluctuate through late July due to heavy wildfire smoke. Calgary and Edmonton are currently in the moderate range but could see temporary smoke drift depending on wind direction. Wildfire Smoke Forecast (FireSmoke Canada) Final Thought Whether you're safeguarding a family home or managing a facility with millions in assets, the message this season is clear: wildfire readiness isn’t optional. The speed and scale of today’s fires leave little time for reactive measures. Proactive protection saves property — and lives. For specialized wildfire defense kits, pump systems, and strategic equipment, contact our team. We’re here to support both homeowners and businesses facing fire-season risks head-on.

What Does a Foot Valve Do? Foot valves are one-way check valves attached to the intake (“foot”) of a pump’s suction line. They allow water to flow up to the pump but prevent it from flowing backward when the pump stops or pauses, thus keeping the suction hose and pump primed. Most foot valves include an integrated strainer to filter out debris, ensuring the pump doesn’t ingest sticks, sand, or muck from the water source. Flash Wildfire Services offers a range of foot valves and related components suitable for homeowners drawing from ponds, totes, wells, or gravity-fed tanks. Below are key products – including foot valves, portable pumps, hoses, and connectors – along with their descriptions, product links, compatibility notes, and other useful details for choosing and using them. Foot Valves & Strainers 1-1/2" Brass Spring Loaded Foot Valve – A brass foot valve with a spring-loaded check mechanism to prevent backflow during suction. By keeping water from draining out of the hose, it maintains the pump’s prime and makes priming easier. This 1.5″ valve threads onto standard 1½″ suction lines (often using NPSH or NPT threads). It is an affordable, durable choice for small jet pumps or transfer pumps drawing from wells, barrels, or shallow ponds. View Here 2" F.NPSH Footvalve Strainer – A heavy-duty 2″ female NPSH threaded foot valve with an integrated screen strainer. This unit is designed to “prevent debris intake, ensure max flow & protect pumps” in wildfire defense, irrigation, or industrial pumping. The stout strainer basket keeps out leaves, fish, and large debris while the internal check valve maintains suction. It attaches to any 2″ NPSH suction hose (a common thread on portable fire pumps) and is suitable for high-flow home applications (e.g. drafting from a pond for irrigation or sprinkler systems). View Here B-5258 Foot Valve and Strainer 2" – A premium 2″ NPSH combination foot valve (aluminum body) with a built-in strainer, made for high-pressure pump systems. Its spring-loaded check valve is capable of holding a water column up to 300 PSI in head pressure – meaning it seals tightly to keep heavy suction lifts primed. An “ear” loop on the valve allows it to be tethered to a float, keeping it off the pond bottom to prevent sucking up sediment. This model is specifically made for WATERAX portable pumps like the MARK-3®, BB-4®, Striker II-PLUS, UltraStriker, or any pump with a 2″ (51 mm) NPSH intake*. In other words, if you have a high-performance fire pump, this foot valve is the matching heavy-duty intake filter to use. View Here Foot Valve and Strainer 1-1/2" NPSH (Aluminum) – A similar combination foot valve strainer in the 1.5″ size. It features an aluminum housing with a stainless-steel screen and spring-loaded internal valve (very much like the 2″ B-5258 above, but scaled down) . This unit is ideal for smaller centrifugal pumps that are not self-priming – the foot valve will “keep your pump primed, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted water flow” . It has 1½″ NPSH female threads to connect to 1.5″ suction hose, and can be used on portable pumps or even gravity-fed pipeline intakes where a one-way intake valve is needed. View Here 3" Foot Valves and Large Strainers – For high-flow needs - 3″ Red Cast Iron Foot Valve, a rugged cast valve for large-volume water transfer (listed at a budget-friendly price around $49). There are also barrel strainers with foot valves in 2½″ and 3″ sizes for firefighting or irrigation pumps – for instance, a 3″ NPSH Barrel Strainer w/ Foot Valve (heavy-duty metal strainer, $649) if you have a high-capacity pump or a cistern/gravity feed with a 3″ line, these products provide the necessary intake protection. View Here Portable Fire Pumps (Compatibility & Usage) Several portable pumps carried by Flash Wildfire Services are compatible with the above foot valves. For homeowners in wildfire-prone or rural areas, these pumps can draft from static water sources (ponds, tanks, pools) – and a foot valve will usually be used on the suction hose for best results. Key examples: WATERAX MARK-3® High-Pressure Pump – The MARK-3 is a legendary wildland fire pump (4-stage centrifugal, 10 hp two-stroke engine) known for high pressure output. Flash Wildfire offers the modern Mark-3 Watson Edition as well as the classic variant. These pumps have a 2″ NPSH suction inlet and require priming before use – typically accomplished with a pump primer and a foot valve on the suction line to hold prime. The B-5258 2″ foot valve above is “specifically made for use on the MARK-3, BB-4,” and similar pumps. Homeowners who invest in a MARK-3 (or its slightly smaller cousin the BB-4®) for wildfire defense or high-head water transfer will want a robust 2″ foot valve strainer to go with it. WATERAX VERSAX® 2-Stage Pump – The Versax series is a versatile, rugged, and economical twin-impeller pump line ideal for general water supply tasks. For example, the VS2-6W Versax uses a 6 HP Honda engine and produces up to 120 PSI and 105 GPM, making it useful for “firefighting, tank filling, high-head water transfer, boom spraying, [and] irrigation”. The Versax pumps are self-priming (they have a built-in priming design), but using a foot valve on the 2″ suction hose is still recommended for drawing from ponds or wells – it helps the pump keep its prime between runs and blocks debris. In a home setting, a Versax pump paired with a 2″ foot valve strainer and a good suction hose can serve for wildfire sprinkler systems or irrigating a acreage from a creek. Floating Pumps and Other Options – Flash Wildfire also sells specialized pumps like the PFP-6HP-FL Floating Pump (a lightweight pump that actually floats on the water’s surface). A floating pump comes with its own screened intake, so a separate foot valve isn’t needed in that case. However, for most trailer-mounted, skid-mounted, or portable ground pumps, you will select an appropriate foot valve as described above. Smaller hand pumps or backpack pumps generally use built-in check valves for priming (e.g., the Guzzler hand primer has internal check valves, but even its documentation notes that adding a foot valve can significantly increase suction lift capacity). Always match the foot valve size and thread type to your pump’s suction inlet size and thread standard (NPSH vs. NH vs. NPT) – the product listings and compatibility notes can guide you in choosing the right one. Suction Hoses & Connectors To actually use a foot valve with your pump, you’ll need a proper suction hose and possibly some adapters. Flash Wildfire Services offers a variety of hoses suited for home-scale pump setups: Suction Hose Assemblies: You can get pre-made suction hose lines such as a 2″ x 10′ clear PVC suction hose with male and female NPSH threaded ends. This is a typical rigid (or semi-rigid) hose that connects from your pump intake to the foot valve in the water. PVC suction hoses are lightweight and adequate for moderate use. For heavier-duty or frequent use, rubber suction hoses are available (e.g. a 2″ x 10′ black rubber suction hose, 150 PSI rated, with NPSH couplings) – these withstand more abuse and remain flexible in colder temperatures. Hoses on the site come in common lengths (10 ft, 15 ft, etc.) and diameters (1.5″, 2″, 2.5″, 3″) to match the foot valves and pump sizes discussed. Adapters & Fittings: Ensuring all components can connect may require adapters, especially if different thread standards or quick-connect systems are involved. Flash Wildfire Services stocks many hose fittings to bridge these gaps. For example, if you need to attach a 2″ NPSH female hose to a 1.5″ NH (National Hose aka “forestry”) male fitting, they have a Reducer Adapter – 2″ NPSH Female × 1.5″ Forestry Male in aluminum. Likewise, adapters exist to go from NPSH threads to camlock fittings (quick-release couplers) or to standard pipe threads (NPT), etc. There are also double-female or double-male adapters to join hoses, and swivel couplings that allow easy rotation when threading on a foot valve. When setting up a home pump system, you might use a 2″ double-female NPSH coupling to connect a male-ended foot valve to a male pump inlet, or a 2″ NPT to 2″ NPSH adapter if your pump has pipe threads. All these can be found in the “Adapters & Fittings” section of the shop. The goal is to achieve a secure, leak-free line from the water source (through the foot valve and hose) to your pump. Using the right combination of foot valve + strainer, suction hose, and connectors will significantly improve the reliability of your pumping system. The foot valve keeps the pump primed and prevents the frustration of losing prime (and having to re-prime) every time you stop the pump. The strainer on it guards the pump impeller from damage by debris. And the hoses and fittings complete the path so you can draw water from wherever it’s available (pond, cistern, rain barrel, etc.) with confidence. All the products described above are actively sold on FlashWildfireServices.ca, making it a convenient one-stop source for homeowners preparing pumps for emergency wildfire protection or everyday water transfer needs.