Wildfire Safety: Products to
Help Protect Your Home

Fire Extinguishers

  • A fire extinguisher is a handheld device used to extinguish or control small fires, often in emergencies.

  • Fire extinguishers are classified into different types based on the kind of fire they are designed to extinguish. Here are the main types:

    Class A: For ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, and cloth. These extinguishers typically contain water or foam.

    Class B: For flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and grease. These extinguishers often use foam, carbon dioxide (CO2), or dry chemical agents.

    Class C: For electrical fires involving energized electrical equipment. These extinguishers usually contain non-conductive agents like CO2 or dry chemicals.

    Class D: For fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium. These extinguishers contain dry powder agents specifically designed for metal fires.

    Class K: For fires involving cooking oils and fats, typically found in commercial kitchens. These extinguishers use a special wet chemical agent.

    Multi-Class Extinguishers: Some extinguishers are rated for multiple classes (e.g., ABC extinguishers) and can be used on different types of fires.

  • Costs between $20 - $80 depending on the size and type

  • No available rebates were found.

Fire Resistant Roof Materials

  • Fire-resistant roofing materials are designed to withstand high temperatures and resist ignition from external sources, such as embers from wildfires or nearby fires.

  • Fire-Resistant Roofing Materials Include:

    Metal Roofing: Typically made from steel or aluminum, metal roofing is non-combustible and can reflect heat, making it a popular choice for fire resistance.

    Clay and Concrete Tiles: These materials are naturally fire-resistant and can withstand high temperatures without igniting.

    Slate Roofing: Slate is a natural stone that is non-combustible and offers excellent fire resistance.

    Asphalt Shingles (Class A): Some asphalt shingles are treated with fire-resistant materials to achieve a Class A rating.

    Synthetic Roofing Products: Made from materials like rubber or plastic, some synthetic products are designed to mimic the appearance of traditional materials while offering fire resistance.

    Certification: There are specific standards and certification processes for fire-resistant roofing materials. Ensure the material has a Class A fire rating, which indicates the highest level of fire resistance.

  • Depends on the type and size of the roof.


    Metal Roofing

    Cost: Approximately $5 - $15 per square foot.

    Notes: Prices can vary based on the type of metal (steel, aluminum, copper) and the finish.


    Clay and Concrete Tiles

    Cost: Approximately $10 - $20 per square foot.

    Notes: Clay tiles tend to be more expensive than concrete tiles. Installation costs can also be higher due to the weight of the materials.


    Slate Roofing

    Cost: Approximately $15 - $30 per square foot.

    Notes: Slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.


    Asphalt Shingles (Class A)

    Cost: Approximately $3 -$7 per square foot.

    Notes: Class A asphalt shingles are treated for fire resistance. Prices can vary based on brand and quality.


    Synthetic Roofing Products

    Cost: Approximately $5 -$12 per square foot.

    Notes: Prices depend on the type of synthetic material and its design features.

  • No rebates available.

Fire Resistant Cladding

  • Fire-resistant exterior cladding is a type of building material designed to resist ignition and slow the spread of fire on the exterior of a structure. This is particularly important in areas prone to wildfires or in urban settings where buildings are close together.

    Fire-resistant cladding can help protect the underlying structure and provide additional time for occupants to evacuate in the event of a fire.

  • Types of fire-resistant exterior cladding include:

    Fiber Cement Siding: Made from a mixture of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers, fiber cement is non-combustible and offers excellent fire resistance. It can mimic the appearance of wood or stucco.

    Metal Siding: Aluminum and steel siding are inherently fire-resistant materials. They do not burn and can withstand high temperatures, making them a popular choice for fire-prone areas.

    Brick and Stone: Traditional masonry materials like brick and stone are non-combustible and provide excellent fire resistance. They can also add aesthetic value to a building.

    Stucco: When applied correctly, stucco can provide a fire-resistant exterior. It is made from cement, sand, and lime, and can be applied over a non-combustible substrate.

    Fire-Retardant Treated Wood and Non-combustible Plastic: Some wood products are treated with fire-retardant chemicals to improve their fire resistance. However, they may not be as reliable as non-combustible materials.

    What to look for when buying fire-resistant cladding:

    Fire Ratings: Look for materials that have been tested and rated according to standards such as ASTM E84 (Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials) or CAN/ULC S102 (Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies). These ratings indicate how well the material resists fire.

    Certifications: In Canada, look for products that have been certified by organizations such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC). These certifications ensure that the materials meet specific safety and performance standards.

    Warranty and Longevity: Consider the warranty offered by the manufacturer, as a longer warranty may indicate confidence in the product's durability and performance.

    Installation Requirements: Ensure that the cladding can be installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Improper installation can compromise fire resistance.

  • The cost of fire-resistant exterior cladding can vary widely based on the type of material, brand, and quality.

    Fiber Cement Siding: Costs approximately $3-7 per square foot. Installation costs can add an additional $2-5 per square foot.

    Metal Siding (Aluminum or Steel): Ranges from $4-10 per square foot.

    Brick and Stone: Brick can range from $6-15 per square foot, while natural stone can be $ 10- 30 per square foot. Installation costs for masonry can be higher, often $10-20 per square foot.

    Stucco: Typically costs $6-9 per square foot.

    Fire-Retardant Treated Wood: Generally $3-8 per square foot, but prices can vary based on the type of wood and treatment. Installation costs should be similar to standard wood siding

    Additional Considerations

    Bulk Discounts: Purchasing materials in bulk or as part of a larger project may lead to discounts.

    Installation Complexity: More complex installations may require specialized labor, which can increase overall costs.

  • No available rebates were found.

Smoke Alarms

  • Alerts you if there is smoke . allowing more time for you to leave the building.

  • Ionization Smoke Alarm use radioactive material to detect smoke. They are generally more responsive to fast-flaming fires but can be prone to false alarms from cooking or steam.

    Photoelectric Smoke Alarms use a light source and a sensor to detect smoke. They are typically more effective at detecting smouldering fires and are less likely to produce false alarms.

    Dual-Sensor Smoke Alarms combine both ionization and photoelectric technologies, providing a broader range of detection for different types of fires.

    Smart Smoke Alarms can connect to Wi-Fi and send alerts to your smartphone. They may also integrate with other smart home devices.

    Hardwired Smoke Alarms are connected to the home’s electrical system and often have a battery backup. They are generally more reliable than battery-operated models.

    Battery-Operated Smoke Alarms are easier to install but require regular battery changes to ensure they remain functional.

    Certification: . When purchasing a smoke alarm, look for the ULC label to ensure it meets Canadian safety standards.

    Regular testing and maintenance are crucial to ensure the alarms function correctly.

  • Approximately $30-$300 depending on the brand and features.

  • No available rebates were found.

Metal Mesh Vent Covers/ "Spark Arrestor Screens"

  • Metal Mesh Covers are protective screens made from metal mesh that are typically used to cover openings in structures, such as chimneys, vents, or exhaust systems. Their primary purpose is to prevent debris, animals, and other foreign objects from entering while allowing airflow. They can also help in reducing the risk of fire by preventing sparks from escaping.

    Spark Arrestor Screens are specialized types of metal mesh covers designed specifically to stop sparks and embers from escaping a chimney or stovepipe. They are crucial in preventing wildfires, especially in areas prone to dry conditions. Spark arrestors are often made from stainless steel or other heat-resistant materials to withstand high temperatures.

  • Look for ULC label which is the CAN/ULC-S629 Standard for spark arrestors for chimneys.

    Also check the National Building Code of Canada (NBC). Local building codes may have additional requirements.

  • Prices can vary widely based on material, size, and design.

    Basic metal mesh covers can start around $20, while high-quality spark arrestor screens can range from $50 to several hundred dollars for custom or larger models.

  • No rebates available

HEPA Filters

  • High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are designed to trap a very small particles that other filters might miss. Specifically, a true HEPA filter must remove at least 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns in size. This includes dust, pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and some bacteria and viruses.

  • True HEPA Filters, often used in health care or specialized environments, meet the strictest standards and are capable of trapping 99.97% of particles that are 0.3 microns or larger. HEPA-Type Filters are more common in generalized settings.

    Certification: Filters labelled as “HEPA” are certified to meet the standards set by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA)

  • The price of HEPA filters can vary widely based on the type, size, and brand. Generally, you can expect to pay:

    Portable Air Purifiers: $100 to $500, depending on the brand and features.

    HVAC HEPA Filters: $30 to $200, depending on size and efficiency.

    Replacement Filters: $20 to $150, depending on the model.

  • No rebates on HEPA filters themselves but there is a $75 rebate on Energy Star Air room purifiers through the ePEI Annual Instant Rebates Program.