BCAA ramping up programs to help customers deal with wildfires

BCAA says it’s stepping up efforts to help its insurance customers deal with the impacts of wildfires in the province.

The association says it is introducing fire prevention measures in remote and high-risk communities.

Director of corporate purpose and mobility Shawn Pettipas says the organization is partnering with FireSmart BC to provide free assessments for communities that are more at risk of wildfires.

“This partnership directly enables outreach into more, higher risk communities with fire prevention expertise and practical resources,” Pettipas said.

The initiative includes a discount on BCAA home insurance for homeowners who complete a FireSmart BC wildfire mitigation program and home assessment.

BCAA is also partnering with the Canadian Mental Health Association to provide mental health resilience training for volunteer firefighters across the province.

The insurer says research finds 90 per cent of B.C. residents see wildfires as one of the most significant issues in the province.