Start with three things: create 30 feet of defensible space around your home, pack a go-bag and keep it by the door during fire season, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Those three steps address the property damage, evacuation, and communication failures that cause the most harm during wildfires.
Wildfire risk is not limited to California. In the last decade, destructive wildfires have hit Colorado, Oregon, New Mexico, Texas, Hawaii, and parts of the Southeast. If you live near any wildland-urban interface, you have wildfire risk.
This guide covers what to do before, during, and after a wildfire, with practical steps you can take this weekend.
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Before Wildfire Season: Property Preparation
Create Defensible Space
Defensible space is the area around your home where vegetation and materials are managed to reduce wildfire risk.
Zone 1: 0 to 5 feet from the house
Remove all dead vegetation, leaves, and debris
Replace wood mulch with gravel or stone within 5 feet
Clear gutters of leaves and debris
Ensure no vegetation is in direct contact with the house
Zone 2: 5 to 30 feet
Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees
Remove dead branches and dry vegetation
Keep grass mowed to 4 inches max
Move firewood stacks at least 30 feet from the house
Trim tree branches so lowest are 6 to 10 feet off the ground
Harden Your Home
Roof: Class A fire-rated roofing (asphalt shingles, metal, tile) is the single most impactful upgrade
Vents: Install 1/8-inch mesh screens on all vents to prevent ember entry
Gutters: Install gutter guards and keep them clear
Siding: Non-combustible siding (fiber cement, stucco, brick) resists radiant heat
Windows: Dual-pane or tempered glass resists heat better than single-pane
Decks: Replace wood decking with composite material if possible
Emergency Alerts and Communication
Sign up for your county emergency alert system (search "[your county] emergency alerts")
Download the FEMA app for national alerts
Follow your local fire department on social media
Keep a battery-powered weather radio that receives NOAA alerts
The Wildfire Go-Bag
A wildfire evacuation bag should be packed and ready by the front door during fire season. This is not a full 72-hour kit. It is what you grab when you have 15 minutes to leave.
Important documents in a waterproof bag (IDs, insurance, prescriptions)
Medications (72-hour supply minimum)
Phone charger and portable battery
N95 masks (smoke protection) — keep several per person
Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
Cash ($200 in small bills)
Water bottles and high-calorie snacks
Pet supplies if applicable (leash, carrier, food, medication)
The document checklist: Before fire season, photograph or scan all important documents and store them in cloud storage (Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox). Physical copies are backup. Digital copies survive even if your house does not.
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During a Wildfire: Evacuation
Evacuation Levels
Most jurisdictions use a three-level system:
Level | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
Level 1 (Ready) | Be aware. Conditions exist that could threaten your area. | Gather belongings. Review your plan. Monitor alerts. |
Level 2 (Set) | Significant danger. Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. | Pack vehicles. Move pets and livestock. Be ready to go. |
Level 3 (Go) | Leave immediately. Danger to life. | Evacuate now. Do not wait. Take your go-bag and leave. |
Before You Leave
Close all windows and doors (do not lock them — firefighters may need access)
Move flammable furniture away from windows
Turn off gas at the meter
Leave lights on (helps firefighters see your house in smoke)
Leave a ladder out for roof access (firefighters use them)
Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, tubs, or trash cans with water
Evacuation Route Planning
Know at least two routes out of your neighborhood
Drive the routes before fire season so they are familiar
Do not rely solely on GPS — cell towers may be down
Keep your gas tank at least half full during fire season
Identify a meeting point outside the affected area
Smoke Protection
Wildfire smoke affects people hundreds of miles from the fire itself. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) penetrates deep into lungs and enters the bloodstream.
Air quality levels (AQI):
AQI | Category | Action |
|---|---|---|
0 to 50 | Good | Normal activity |
51 to 100 | Moderate | Sensitive groups reduce outdoor activity |
101 to 150 | Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups | Sensitive groups stay indoors |
151 to 200 | Unhealthy | Everyone reduces outdoor activity |
201 to 300 | Very Unhealthy | Everyone avoids outdoor activity |
301+ | Hazardous | Stay indoors. Seal windows. Run air purifier. |
Protection measures:
N95 masks: The only masks that effectively filter PM2.5. Stock several per person.
Air purifier with HEPA filter: Run in the room where you spend the most time.
Seal your house: Close windows and doors. Stuff wet towels under door gaps. Set HVAC to recirculate (not fresh air).
Monitor air quality at AirNow.gov or the IQAir app.
After a Wildfire
Returning home:
Do not return until authorities say it is safe
Wear N95 mask, long sleeves, and gloves when returning
Document all damage with photos and video before touching anything (for insurance)
Do not enter if you smell gas — call the gas company
Check for hot spots: embers can smolder for days in walls, attics, and mulch
Insurance documentation:
Contact your insurance company immediately
Keep all receipts for temporary housing, food, and replacement items
Take detailed photos of all damage before cleanup
Keep a written log of every conversation with your insurance adjuster
Stay Prepared, One Week at a Time
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I create defensible space around my home?
Create two zones: Zone 1 (0 to 5 feet) should be free of all combustible material — replace wood mulch with gravel, clear gutters, remove dead vegetation. Zone 2 (5 to 30 feet) should have spaced vegetation, mowed grass under 4 inches, and firewood stored at least 30 feet from the house. This gives firefighters a defensible perimeter and reduces ember ignition risk.
What should I pack in a wildfire evacuation bag?
Important documents (IDs, insurance, prescriptions) in a waterproof bag, medications, phone charger and battery, N95 masks, change of clothes, cash in small bills, water and snacks, and pet supplies if applicable. Keep this bag packed and by the front door during fire season. Photograph all important documents and store them in cloud storage as backup.
How do I protect myself from wildfire smoke?
Use N95 masks outdoors (the only masks that effectively filter fine particulate matter). Indoors, run a HEPA air purifier, seal windows and doors, and set HVAC to recirculate mode. Monitor air quality at AirNow.gov. When AQI exceeds 150, everyone should minimize outdoor activity. Above 300, stay indoors with windows sealed.
When should I evacuate during a wildfire?
Leave at Level 2 (Set) if you have elderly family members, young children, pets, or livestock. Leave immediately at Level 3 (Go) regardless of circumstances. Do not wait for Level 3 if you can see flames or heavy smoke nearby. Early evacuation avoids traffic congestion and dangerous last-minute escapes.
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