What to do in case of wildfires

Wildfires are unpredictable and can spread rapidly, leaving little time to react. Being prepared ahead of time can mean the difference between safety and disaster. While emergency responders play a critical role in wildfire suppression, individuals and families must also take responsibility for reducing fire risks and knowing what actions to take when a wildfire approaches. 

This lesson explores how to prepare for wildfires before they occur and how to respond effectively when they are near.

How to Prepare for Wildfires Ahead of Time

Preparation begins long before a wildfire threat arises. Creating a fire-resistant environment, assembling essential supplies, and having a well-practiced emergency plan can significantly increase your safety.

Defensible Space: Protecting Your Home Before a Fire Starts

One of the most effective ways to reduce wildfire risk is by creating defensible space—a buffer zone between your home and potential fire hazards. Clearing dry vegetation, pruning trees, and keeping tree canopies well-spaced helps prevent flames from reaching structures. Fire-resistant landscaping, such as using plants with high moisture content and installing gravel pathways, adds another layer of protection.

Building materials also play a crucial role. Fire-resistant roofing materials like metal or tile can help prevent ember ignitions, while dual-pane tempered glass windows provide better heat resistance. Sealing vents and other openings prevents embers from entering and igniting your home from the inside.

Emergency Supplies and Evacuation Plans

If a wildfire forces an evacuation, having a ready-to-go emergency supply kit ensures you can leave quickly and safely. This kit should include non-perishable food, bottled water, medications, important documents, sturdy clothing, and protective masks to filter smoke particles.

An effective evacuation plan is just as important as emergency supplies. Identifying multiple evacuation routes ahead of time and practicing them with your household helps ensure a quick escape when every second counts. Having a family communication plan in place, including emergency contacts and a designated meeting location, helps keep everyone accounted for during an evacuation.

Staying Informed and Monitoring Wildfire Risks

Access to timely and reliable information is crucial for wildfire preparedness. Signing up for local emergency alerts ensures you receive evacuation orders and fire status updates. Fire-tracking apps, such as Watch Duty, provide real-time data on wildfire locations, evacuation zones, and air quality, helping you make informed decisions when conditions change rapidly.

What to Do When a Wildfire Is Near

When a wildfire approaches, swift and decisive action can make all the difference. Following evacuation orders and protecting yourself from smoke exposure are critical steps in staying safe.

Evacuating Immediately When Ordered

If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave immediately—delaying can be deadly. Embers and flames can spread faster than expected, cutting off escape routes within minutes. Sticking to designated evacuation paths reduces the risk of getting trapped in fire zones. Keeping your vehicle fueled and facing outward in the driveway ensures a quick departure.

When you still have time, before leaving, take precautions to minimize fire damage to your home. Closing all windows and doors helps prevent drafts that can pull in embers. Shutting off gas and propane reduces the risk of explosions, while moving flammable objects—like patio furniture and propane tanks—away from the house prevents them from igniting.

Protecting Yourself from Smoke and Heat

Even if the fire isn’t immediately at your doorstep, wildfire smoke can pose significant health risks. Wearing an N95 mask helps filter out dangerous particulate matter, reducing respiratory exposure. Staying indoors with windows and vents closed can provide temporary protection, but if air quality becomes hazardous, evacuation is the safest option.

If Trapped by Fire

In extreme cases where evacuation is not possible, finding a safe shelter is critical. Staying inside a well-insulated building or vehicle can provide temporary protection. Vehicles should be parked in a cleared area with windows rolled up, while buildings should have all vents and doors closed to prevent smoke infiltration. If no structures are available, taking cover in a low-lying area, such as a ditch, and covering yourself with soil can provide some protection.

Key Takeaways
 

• Wildfire preparation should begin long before fire season—creating defensible space, using fire-resistant materials, and maintaining an emergency supply kit are essential first steps.
• An evacuation plan is crucial—knowing multiple escape routes and practicing them ensures a quicker and safer exit when needed.
• Staying informed with real-time wildfire tracking and emergency alerts provides critical updates for making timely decisions.
• Immediate evacuation is the safest response to an approaching wildfire—delaying puts lives at risk as fires can spread unpredictably.
• Protecting against smoke exposure and finding emergency shelter if trapped can reduce harm in extreme situations.