Wildfire Ready

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Wildfires can ruin homes and cause injuries or death to people and animals. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns in a natural area such as a forest, grassland, or prairie. Wildfires can:

• Often be caused by humans or lightning.
• Cause flooding or disrupt transportation, gas, power, and communications.
• Happen anywhere, anytime. Risk increases with in periods of little rain and high winds.

If You Are Under a Wildfire Warning, Get to Safety Right Away

• Leave if told to do so.
• If trapped, call 9-1-1.
• Listen for emergency information and alerts.
• Use N95 masks to keep particles out of the air you breathe.

Prepare Now

What defensible space?

It is the space between a house and an oncoming wildfire, so keep it maintained with shorter plants, increased moisture, free from dead branches and leaves, and well mowed.

Routine maintenance is key!

What items should I keep out of my defensible space?

Wood piles, lawn furniture, barbeque grills, tarp coverings, etc.

Which plants are fire resistant?

Use plants that are not oily or waxy.

• Some fire resistant plants are tulips, red oak, periwinkle, vinca, crepe myrtle, azaleas and Boston ivy.
• Hardwood trees are less flammable than evergreens.

What about my roof and gutters?

• Keep your roof and gutters blown out and clean.
• Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials on the roof and exterior structure of the dwelling, or treat wood or combustible material used in roofs, siding, decking or trim with fire-retardant chemicals evaluated by a nationally recognized laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

What else can I do?

• Consider installing protective shutters.
• Have a garden hose long enough to reach any area of the home or other structures on the property.

Videos

When the Fire Starts

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Resources