Wildfires
Learn more about wildfires, what to do and how to stay safe.
Your Impact
Action Steps & Tips
Introduction
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 like the lodgepole pine and eucalyptus only release their seeds when they’re exposed to high heat from fires! For thousands of years, indigenous people have been managing forests through deliberate, controlled burns, which keeps forests healthy and lowers the risk of out-of-control fires.
In this action, we’ll look at important things to know about wildfires, including how to plan for them and lower your risks, and what to do during and after a wildfire so that you and your loved ones can be prepared!
How to do this action:
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Read this action with your family or housemates to learn about Wildfires as part of the Make A Plan action!
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Add any items as needed to your Plan, Kit and Household Prep actions.
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Print out the FEMA Wildfire Information Sheet PDF with the list of reminders and keep it with your kit.
Before completing this action, complete the Find Risks & Resources action to see if this disaster is common or likely where you live!
1Step 1: Learn About Wildfires
Wildfires:
Where are wildfires more likely to happen? Wildfires are mostly likely to happen in areas with forest or heavy vegetation that is also warm and dry. There are a few things that can start a wildfire including human caused sources like a campfire or a spark from a car, lightning or power lines that fall or are damaged in high winds.
As many urban areas grow, more people are living in the “wildland-urban interface” - the place where populated areas and wildernesses meet - than ever before. These zones are at greater risk, since they are often located in or near areas where wildfires are more likely to occur. If you live in a wildland-urban interface that is prone to wildfires, it’s extra important that your plans include what to do during a wildfire or air quality alert.
When are wildfires more likely to happen? Wildfires can occur any time of the year, though they are most common in late spring, summer, and particularly fall, when temperatures are higher, vegetation is drier and winds stronger.
2Step 2: Add to your Emergency Preparedness Kit and Plan
Add these items to your Kit for wildfire preparedness:
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For fire safety:
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Make sure to include long sleeves and pants (ideally made of cotton or wool, which are less flammable than synthetic) in your kit - these add some protection from heat and burning embers.
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For smoke:
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Add two N95 masks or other respirators per person. Regular dust masks will not filter out the tiny particles from fire smoke. (Note that reusable respirators are not made to fit children.)
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Add these steps to your Plan for wildfire and air quality event preparedness:
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Know your evacuation route & zone: If you haven’t yet looked up your evacuation zone and route, do that now! Search online for “evacuation zone” and your city or county name.
3Step 3: Add to your household prep plans
If you live in an area prone to wildfires, there are many ways you can make your home more prepared! For things that require significant home repair or reinforcements, consult with an experienced contractor.
Add these steps to your household prep plan:
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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!).
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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.
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Check with your local fire department or state fire agency for specific recommendations for your region on creating defensible space around your home.
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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:
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Install freeze-proof water faucets outside on two sides of your home and near other structures like a garage. Keep a long garden hose available on the property.
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Identify and maintain a water source outside your home, like a swimming pool, well or small pond.
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4Step 4: Learn what to do during a wildfire
If a wildfire happens in your area, don’t panic! You’ve already taken many steps to be prepared. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this. 3 Things to Remember:
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Safety First: Getting yourself and your loved ones to a safe spot during a disaster is the most important thing. Everything else is secondary, only if you have time and it’s safe.
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Check in: Once you’re safe, check in with family, neighbors, and your out-of-town emergency contact. Phone lines are often overloaded during a disaster, so use text and social media when possible.
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Watch for updates: Pay attention to alerts on your phone, the radio, and the Red Cross app for updates and new instructions.
Evacuate: If you’re told by authorities to evacuate, do so immediately, and follow the plans you made in your emergency plan. 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 or instructions from authorities.
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Text anyone in your household who isn’t at home to make sure they’re also evacuating and meeting you at your pre-planned meeting spot.
If you can’t evacuate or get stuck, stay inside (even your vehicle is safer than outside) and call 911.
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 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).
Refer to the Food & Water Safety action for tips on how to safely manage and store food and water during and after a disaster.
Only if you have time before evacuating: For some wildfires, it may be urgent that you evacuate immediately. For others, there may be advance warning that you may need to evacuate. In situations where you have advance warning and only if 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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Tip: pre-pack your vehicle with your kit and other important belongings during fire season (late spring through late fall).
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Park your car facing the street or the direction of your evacuation route for a fast exit.
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Fill your car’s gas tank. Tip: keep your car’s gas tank full at all times during fire season.
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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 which will protect you from heat and flying embers.
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Leave a note with your contact info, your out-of-town contact info, and when you left taped to your fridge or inside 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 or firewood.
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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, find a local food bank by contacting a shelter or through feedingamerica.org
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First aid: If anyone is seriously sick or injured, call 911. If you are not sure if the injury warrants a trip to the hospital, err on the side of caution and go to the hospital or local urgent care. Here is a list of some of the signs that you should go to the emergency room. If the injury is minor, administer first aid if you’re 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 that 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 and 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, 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 you’re throwing out paint, cleaning products, batteries, or fuel containers, make sure they’re disposed of properly.
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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 3-5 years after a fire.
Refer to the Recovery action for tips and resources on recovery after a wildfire.