Wildfire Defense Systems

Who We Are

WDS is the North American leader in insurer wildfire services, combining professional wildfire consulting with Qualified Insurance Resources (QIR) wildfire risk mitigation / loss intervention services. Founded in 2001 to fulfill initial-attack assignments for the US Forest Service, the company added professional services support in 2005 and launched comprehensive wildfire loss-prevention programs for insurers in 2008.

What We Do

WDS provides services to the insurance industry at a wildfire agency-level scale. WDS covers 22 states and multiple Canadian provinces with fully trained, highly experienced field personnel, supported by a comprehensive, proprietary wildfire monitoring service. Our mix of professional management and field operation expertise allows us to perform projects and assignments ranging from design and implementation of comprehensive wildfire programs to risk mitigation / loss intervention services.

What is Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. (WDS)?

WDS is the largest insurance wildfire response service in North America, encompassing 22 service states within the U.S. and multiple Canadian provinces which specializes in wildfire monitoring, loss prevention, and wildfire response services.

When are services provided?

WDS may deploy services to a client’s policyholder when they determine wildfire activity has the potential to threaten the property.

Who performs the service?

WDS deploys National Wildfire Coordinating Group certified professional firefighters to perform the services. WDS is not a first responder, and our services are supplemental to all other public wildfire responders.

Does WDS provide preventative mitigation services for policyholders outside of a wildfire event?

WDS performs wildfire mitigation actions for policyholders during an active wildfire event. Please contact your local fire officials for recommendations on preventative mitigation services available in your area.

Do I need to contact WDS when a wildfire occurs?

No. WDS monitors fires 365 days a year and dispatches resources to wildfire events that threaten our insurer clients’ policyholder properties. This is an automated service.

What is a fire blocking-gel barrier and how is it used?

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.

What is fire retardant and how is it used?

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

If I would like additional information on WDS service who do I contact?

WDS is not able to advise our clients’ policyholders directly. For more information on WDS service, please contact your insurance carrier or local insurance agent.

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