Wildfire Information

Wildfire Information
 

Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines

What to do if fire approaches

If a wildfire threatens your home, take the following steps:


What to bring

An evacuation may last a long time. Plan to bring enough items to keep your family comfortable for at least five days. Consider adding these items to your emergency supplies:


When an evacuation alert is given

If there is time, take the following actions:

Prepare your car

  • Place valuable documents and family mementos inside your vehicle and be prepared for quick departure, if necessary.
  • Park your vehicle nearby in a cleared area (don't restrict fire service access) or in the garage, facing out towards the street with windows closed and keys in the ignition.

Outside the house

  • Cover all doors and windows with fire resistant material such as 12 millimeter plywood to help keep out sparks and embers.
  • Attach a garden hose to tap spigot and place it so it can reach exterior surfaces of the building (including the roof). Do not turn on the hose unless the fire is an immediate hazard.
  • Place a nailed down sprinkler on the roof.
  • If you have an outdoor pool or hot tub, make it as accessible as possible for firefighters.
  • Fill garbage cans and buckets with water for firefighters.
  • Block downspouts and fill rain gutters with water.
  • Turn off propane or natural gas valves.
  • Clear vegetation and debris from around outdoor tanks.
  • If you have outdoor pets, put them in crates or carriers, ready for quick evacuation.

Inside the house

  • Close all windows and doors. This will slow the spread of fire inside the home.
  • Move combustibles away from windows and sliding glass doors.
  • Fill sinks, bathtubs and buckets for use as extra water reservoirs. Attach hoses and gather buckets and towels.
  • If you have indoor pets, put them in crates or carriers, ready for quick evacuation.

Protect crops and livestock

  • Owners should have an evacuation plan for livestock threatened by fire. If animals can't be moved to a safe area on your property, make and confirm transportation and feeding arrangements in advance. Obtain insurance coverage for all farm resources at risk from fire, including crops and livestock.
  • The risk to farm animals can be reduced by preparing and maintaining fuel-reduced areas. Livestock can be moved and held there during a fire. Use a plowed or heavily grazed field with a minimum of grass or stubble. If possible, this field should be shaded and located well away from any forested areas. Water should be available.
  • Concrete or metal buildings located away from forest vegetation are another livestock shelter option.
  • As a last resort, if you are unable to move livestock to a safer area, cut fences and turn the animals loose, as long as there is no danger to people or traffic.

When you evacuate

When an evacuation order is given, you must leave your home. Do not take chances. Large, moving fires are very dangerous and should be handled only by professional firefighters.


Wildfire DOs and DON'Ts