Wildfires
Wildfires can grow quickly. Learn more about what to do and how to stay safe.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
Wildfires don’t happen everywhere, but if you live in or near a forest or a heavily wooded or grassy area, it’s essential to take steps to prepare. Wildfires have increased in size, intensity and number recently and are predicted to continue to accelerate due to climate change. These larger and more intense wildfires have created much higher risk than in the past. In this action you can learn about important steps to keep yourself and family safe.
This action is designed to be used with the Get Prepared Steps, be sure to complete Steps 1-5!
1Step 1: Learn About Wildfires
Where and when do wildfires happen, and why are they getting larger and more intense?
Why are wildfires getting larger and more intense?
Climate change is causing hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall in many areas with forest or heavy vegetation. With less water and hotter temperatures, many trees are stressed and become more vulnerable to pests that can cause damage and even death, creating more fuel for fires. Climate change is also causing stronger storms and winds, which can cause trees to fall onto power lines and spark fires as well as create fire caused by lightning strikes. Finally, a practice of suppressing forest fires over many decades has led to a buildup of dead trees and excess fuel in the forest, amplifying the strength of fires when they happen.
Wildfires are actually a natural part of the ecology in many parts of the Western United States. They help native seedlings grow and can make soil nutrients more accessible to existing plants. In fact, some plants only release their seeds when they’re exposed to high heat from fires! For thousands of years, Native American people have been managing forests through deliberate, controlled burns, which keeps forests healthy and lowers the risk of out-of-control fires.
Where and when are wildfires more likely to happen?
Wildfires typically happen in areas with forest or heavy vegetation that is warm and dry. A few things can start a wildfire, including a campfire or a spark from a car, lightning, or power lines that fall or are damaged in high winds. Wildfires can occur at any time of the year, but are most common in the summer and fall when temperatures are higher, vegetation is drier and winds are stronger.
As many urban areas grow, more people are living in the “wildland-urban interface” — the place where populated areas and wildernesses meet. These zones are at greater risk, since they’re often located in areas where wildfires are more likely to occur.
2Step 2: Add these items to your plan
Add these items to your plan in Step 3. Make a plan and print out the one page information sheet to add to your kit.
- Know your evacuation route and zone: Evacuating quickly can be critical during a wildfire. If you haven’t yet looked up your evacuation zone and route from Step 1, do so now! Reach out to your Office of Emergency Services or your local fire department or search online for “evacuation zone” and your city or county name.
3Step 3: Add these items to your household preparation
Add these items to your household preparation in Step 4. Resilience for Homeowners/Renters
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Create a fire-resistant zone, also called “defensible space,” around your home of at least 30 feet (some areas require 50 to 100 feet). This space should be free of leaves, debris and flammable material. Dispose of tree trimmings and other debris around your home on a regular basis, clean your gutters, and trim branches that hang over your roof or touch your house. Check with your local fire department for specific local requirements.
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When planting your garden, consider native or fire-resistant plants. These often conserve water, too, and will increase your property value. If your property has power line poles on or near it, only plant low-growing plants near them.
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Make sure your driveway is kept clear and your house or apartment number are clearly visible so firefighters can easily get to your home.
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If possible, provide water access to firefighters by installing freeze-proof water faucets outside on two sides of your home and near other structures like a garage. Keep a long garden hose available. Identify and maintain an additional water source like a swimming pool, well or pond.
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If you make renovations or repairs to your home, use fire-resistant construction materials whenever possible (and always check local building codes!)
4Step 4: Learn what to do during a wildfire
If a wildfire happens in your area, don’t panic — evacuate! Safety first!
Get to safety:
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If there is a wildfire in your area: Pay attention to alerts on your phone, the radio and the Red Cross app for updates and instructions.
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Evacuate: If you’re told by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately, and follow instructions. Fires can move very quickly and in unpredictable directions, so if you feel threatened, don’t wait for official orders to evacuate, just go! Gather family members and pets and follow your emergency plan and instructions from authorities. Once you are safe, text anyone in your household who isn’t home to make sure they are also evacuating and meeting at your pre-planned meeting spot.
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If you can’t evacuate or get stuck, stay inside (even your vehicle is safer than outside) and call 911.
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If you are trapped outside:
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Crouch in water if possible, like a pond or pool.
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Do not cover your face with wet clothing, as moist air constricts airways more than dry air. Use an N95 mask or dry cotton cloth to help with smoke.
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If you can’t find water, look for a spot that is as empty of flammable debris as possible, like a cleared field, a parking lot or a bed of rocks. Stay flat and face down, breathing as low to the ground as you can (since smoke rises, air near the ground is safest.)
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Only if you have time before evacuating:
For some wildfires, it may be urgent to evacuate immediately. During others, you may have advance warning. In situations where you have time:
Preparing to leave:
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Gather your emergency kit. This will be helpful whether you are staying with a friend or going to a shelter.
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Fill your car’s gas tank and park your car facing the street or the direction of your evacuation route for a fast exit.
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Put pets in one room, in carriers or on secure leashes so you can get them quickly.
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Wear long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes and gloves that will protect you from heat and flying embers.
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Leave a note with your contact info and when you left taped to your fridge or window.
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Pay attention to air quality reports and keep indoor air clean by keeping all windows and doors closed. Use the recirculate setting on your air conditioner in your home or car.
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Carpool with neighbors to reduce traffic congestion if possible.
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Contact your out-of-town emergency contact to let them know how you’re doing and where you’re going, and stay in touch throughout your evacuation.
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Check in on neighbors to make sure they’re safe and able to evacuate.
Preparing your home:
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Shut all windows and doors, but keep them unlocked so firefighters can easily get inside if needed. Also keep indoor and outdoor lights on so firefighters can see inside through the smoke.
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If you have garden hoses, connect them to outside spigots (but leave them turned off!) so firefighters can use them if they need to. If you have buckets, fill them with water and place them outside around your home.
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If your roof is not fire-proof, use a hose to wet it down.
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If advised to do so by local authorities, shut off your utilities. Refer to the How to Turn Off Utilities action for how to do this. If you have a propane tank system, turn off the valves and leave them closed until the propane supplier inspects your system. Turn off and move any propane appliances (like a BBQ) away from your home.
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Open fireplace dampers and close fireplace screens.
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Seal attic and ground vents with plywood, metal covers, or even duct tape to prevent embers from entering your home and catching fire.
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Remove combustible items from around the home, like outdoor furniture, firewood or propane tanks.
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Turn your refrigerators and freezers to their coldest settings and keep them closed, so they will stay cold as long as possible if the power goes out.
5Step 5: Learn what to do right after a wildfire
If you evacuate, it may be a few hours or many days before you can return home. When you do, remember it’s normal to feel anxiety or grief, so take care of yourself and your loved ones. The most important thing is that you and your loved ones are safe, and you’ve done what you could to lower your risks and protect your home.
Basic Necessities:
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Shelter: If your home isn’t safe or habitable and you can’t stay with neighbors or friends, find a local shelter near you. You can:
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text SHELTER and your zip code to 4FEMA (43362), e.g. SHELTER 01234.
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Search on the FEMA app or Red Cross app for open shelters.
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In the FEMA app, click “Disaster Resources” → “Shelters” → “Map View”
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In the Red Cross app, click the Maps icon on the bottom right.
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Food & Water: If you do not have access to food and water, or if you’re not certain your supplies are safe to consume, get supplies if it is safe to do so or find a local food bank by contacting a shelter or through feedingamerica.org
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First aid: If anyone is seriously or injured, call 911 or go to the hospital. If you are not sure, err on the side of caution and get medical help. If the injury is minor, administer first aid if you are trained and contact your healthcare provider for instructions.
Once you know everyone is safe:
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Contact family and friends, including your out-of-area emergency contact. For non-emergencies, use text or social media to reduce the strain on phone systems. Check in on your neighbors - this is a time we need to lean on each other.
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Wait for authorities to confirm it’s safe to return to your area. When you get home, enter carefully and be mindful of hazards.
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Don’t enter your home if there’s any chance of structural damage. Have a trained professional check your home and clear it for safe re-entry.
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Avoid hot ash, charred trees, or live embers, which could cause burns or start another fire.
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Avoid damaged or fallen power lines and poles, and report them to your utility company immediately.
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When you start cleaning up, wear protective clothing, sturdy shoes or boots and gloves. Use a respirator or N95 mask to protect from breathing in dust particles. You can also wet debris down to reduce dust exposure.
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Do not vacuum up ash or dust, as this will send dust particles into the air.
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If anyone in your household has lung or autoimmune conditions, including asthma, have them stay away until your home is free from ash and debris or any signs of mold.
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If it rains, watch for flooding, particularly if you are below a burned hill or mountain. There is an increased risk of mudslides for 3 to 5 years after a fire.
Read Step 5. Recovery After a Disaster for important information on safe cleanup, support resources and handling insurance after a wildfire. Be sure to take photos for insurance before you clean!