Together, WDS and WDS Canada make up the WDS Wildfire Response Network, the largest insurance wildfire response service in North America, the WDS response area includes servicing Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and  22 U.S. states. WDS Canada specializes in wildfire monitoring, loss prevention, and wildfire response services.

Policyholders should not think of WDS as a first response provider. WDS’ services are complementary to the work and mission of national, provincial, local structural and wildland firefighters and resources.

WDS employs field personnel fully trained and certified in wildland firefighting, operating wildland engines and tenders to perform loss intervention services.

WDS self-dispatches to policyholders of our insurance company clients when our wildfire information and intelligence experts determine wildfire activity has the potential to threaten policyholder properties.

Policyholders should not treat WDS wildfire loss intervention services as a substitute for FireSmartTM homeowner and community practices.

First, WDS service is not guaranteed. There are many factors which may prevent WDS from responding to a specific wildfire. Even where WDS resources arrive at an incident, conditions may still prevent WDS from gaining access from the Incident Commander or Authority Having Jurisdiction.

Second, FireSmartTM practices employed by homeowners or communities complement the work performed by WDS, Therefore, we always encourage policy holders to educate themselves on all actions they can take to mitigate loss due to wildfire. For more information on FireSmartTM practices and programs, go to your provincial FireSmartTM website or FireSmartTM Canada www.firesmartcanada.ca.

Policy holders can also contact local fire officials for recommendations on preventative wildfire mitigation services available in your area.

No action is required by a policyholder. WDS monitors fires 365 days a year and dispatches resources to wildfire events that threaten our insurer clients’ policyholder properties.

For more information on WDS service, please contact your insurance carrier or local insurance agent.

Fire-blocking gel is a biodegradable, non-toxic, fire-preventing, and heat-absorbing Class A gel that WDS may use to help protect your home and property. The gel is used as a last resort. Once the wildfire threat has passed, the gel is removed, typically using a light washing process with water.

Fire retardant is a non-toxic, fire-preventing substance that WDS may use to help protect the home and property. The fire retardant may be applied to combustible materials and vegetation that surround a structure. Once the wildfire threat has passed, the WDS applied fire retardant is removed, typically using a light washing process with water. There may be residual fire retardant left on vegetation that will safely biodegrade over time. The fire retardant is safe for vegetation and the environment: it is about 80% water and can be used on all types of trees and vegetation.