Early & Intense 2025 Wildfire Season in Canada: How to Protect Your Home and Power Supply
Canada’s 2025 wildfire season is the second-worst on record, with millions of hectares burned. Prolonged heat and drought have left many regions vulnerable, forcing homeowners to take preparedness seriously. From preventing household battery fires to maintaining a reliable power supply during outages, being proactive can make all the difference. Here’s how to protect your home and stay safe when wildfire season strikes.
How Severe Is Canada’s 2025 Wildfire Season?
Canada is facing another devastating wildfire season—its second most severe on record, surpassed only by the unprecedented 2023 fires that scorched about 15 million hectares.
By mid-September 2025, fires had burned about 8.7 million hectares across Canada, with over 470 fires classified as out of control. The worst fires were in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, but British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario also experienced above-average wildfires this year. Fires are being fueled by extreme heat, drought, and weak snowpack, causing large blazes across the country and even forcing many homeowners to evacuate their homes and properties.
Are Lithium-Ion Batteries Increasing Household Fire Risks?
Old, damaged, and inferior-quality lithium-ion batteries are increasing the risk of household fires across Canada due to their growing presence in homes, vehicles, and workplaces. However, you can easily avoid this risk by understanding the cause of battery-related fires.
Common Causes of Battery-Related Fires
Overcharging is a common cause of fires because it can lead to overheating. Only use the charger that came with your device or one recommended by the manufacturer.
Unplug the battery when fully charged to prevent overcharging.
Never charge devices under pillows, on beds, or on other soft surfaces, or near flammable materials.
If you see any physical damage like swelling or bulging in a battery, safely dispose of it immediately.
Hot batteries are a sign of overheating, which could lead to thermal runaway and fires.
If the battery smells strange or makes popping or hissing sounds, it’s likely damaged and should be disposed of safely.
Improper disposal is another cause. Never throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or recycling. Instead, they should be taken to a designated battery recycling center or hazardous waste facility.
Manufacturing defects sometimes result in faulty batteries; watch for the warning signs above and avoid cheap, counterfeit or off-brand batteries and chargers.
Fortunately, modern LiFePO4 batteries used in EcoFlow whole-home generators are far safer than traditional lithium-ion batteries, making them a safe option for household power.
How to Stay Powered During Wildfire Outages
Staying powered during wildfire outages is essential so you can stay connected and keep your family safe. The best backup for wildfires is a portable power station that runs on safer LiFePO4 batteries, which are far less prone to thermal runaway. They’re also much safer than traditional generators, which use fossil fuels, pose additional fire risks, and can never be used indoors due to lethal carbon monoxide poisoning.
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro ULTRA X is a perfect whole-home generator solution, delivering 12kW of output and powering all your essential appliances, including 240V. It can also serve as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect sensitive electronics and appliances during a sudden blackout.
Building Wildfire-Resilient Homes
The good news is that if you take action now, you can protect your family from wildfires.
Have a wildfire go bag ready in case you need to evacuate. This should include emergency supplies, first aid, food, water, medicine, and clothing to last 3 days for each household member, including pets.
Install a class-A fire-rated roof made with asphalt, metal, clay or composite rubber tiles.
Use fire-resistant materials like cement, brick, or stucco siding for your home.
Install fire-rated doors and windows for additional resistance to heat from wildfires.
Cover eaves and vents with 3mm screening to keep out sparks and embers.
Ensure decks, balconies, and porches are non-combustible and are kept clear of combustible materials on, around, and beneath them.
Maintain a 1.5m non-combustible zone (no wood, vegetation, etc.) around your home and any other structures you may have.
Use metal or other non-combustible fences and gates.
Plant low-density, fire-resistant native plants, avoiding invasive plants. Keep vegetation well-watered during fire season.
Have a backup power solution for your home in case the power goes out. This will ensure you can stay connected when it matters the most. The EcoFlow DELTA 3 Classic (1024Wh) is powerful enough to keep your devices charged, run kitchen appliances and tools, yet it’s compact enough to pack in your car if you need to evacuate.
DELTA Pro Ultra X Whole-Home Backup Power
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Safest Way to Dispose of Damaged Lithium Batteries?
Never dispose of damaged lithium batteries in the trash or recycling, as they can cause fires. They should be removed from the device if possible, placed in a fireproof container, and then taken to a local designated battery recycling center or hazardous or e-waste collection center.
Can Solar Panels Withstand Wildfire Heat?
Solar panels are designed to handle the heat from intense sunlight, but they cannot withstand the heat of wildfires. They are not fireproof, as they contain some plastic and wiring that may melt or ignite if the fire or heat gets close enough.
Does Home Insurance Cover Solar Power Systems Damaged by Fire?
Home insurance often covers solar power systems damaged by fire since roof-mounted panels are generally considered a permanent part of your home’s structure. However, you should check with your insurance provider to ensure they are covered.
Protect Your Home and Power Supply This Wildfire Season with EcoFlow
As wildfires grow more frequent and severe across Canada, preparation is now essential. By using fire-resistant materials, creating defensible space around your property, and staying powered by safe, reliable backup systems, you can protect your home and family even through the toughest wildfire conditions. Modern LiFePO4-powered backup systems like the EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra X offer dependable performance without the fire risks of older lithium-ion batteries or traditional fuel-based generators, allowing you to stay safe and connected next wildfire season.