Wildfires are fast-moving, destructive events that threaten homes, communities, and natural landscapes, especially during wildfire season. If you live in a high-risk state like California, understanding what causes wildfires, how to prepare, and what to do when evacuation orders are issued is critical to protecting your home and family. 

What are Wildfires?

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread quickly through vegetation, often ignited by lightning, power lines, unattended campfires, or human activity. 

Facts About Wildfires & How to Prevent Them

• How do wildfires start: Many begin from unattended flames, faulty electrical lines, or natural events like lightning. 
• How to prevent wildfires: Practice fire-safe landscaping, never leave outdoor fires unattended, and ensure your property is free of dry brush and debris.

Small actions, like clearing defensible space around your home, can significantly reduce the risk of destruction. By removing dry vegetation, trimming tree branches away from structures, and keeping gutters and roofs clear of debris, you create a buffer zone that slows the spread of flames and gives firefighters a safer space to defend your property. Even taking just a few preventative steps can dramatically increase your home’s chances of surviving a wildfire, especially in high-risk areas like California where fire behavior can change rapidly. 

When is Wildfire Season?

Wildfire season varies by region. In most states, wildfire season is during the driest months. California’s wildfire season typically runs from May through October, but in recent years, fires have started as early as March and continued into December. This makes year-round preparedness more important than ever.

 

 

Evacuation Warnings vs. Orders: Know the Difference

During a wildfire emergency, two main alerts may be issued: 

Evacuation Warning: A fire is nearby and may threaten your area soon. Evacuations are not mandatory, but leaving early is encouraged. Use this time to prepare your home and get your emergency kit ready.

Evacuation Order: There is an immediate threat to your safety. Evacuation is mandatory. Do not delay. 

Understanding these alerts can save lives. The earlier you act, the more time you have to protect your home and get to safety. 

Before You Evacuate: How to Prepare Your Home

If time allows, these pre-evacuation steps can help reduce fire damage to your property: 

Inside Your Home

• Prepare a grab-and-go emergency kit. 
• Review your wildfire action plan and evacuation routes. 
• Remove flammable curtains and window coverings; close metal shutters if you have them. 
• Move flammable items to the center of the room, away from windows and doors. 
• Turn off the gas at the meter and extinguish pilot lights. 
• Keep lights on to help firefighters locate your home in smoke. 
• Turn off sir conditioning to reduce smoke intake. 

Outside Your Home

• Bring flammable outdoor items (furniture, mats, toys) inside or place them in a pool. 
• Shut off propane tanks and move grills away from your home. 
• Attach garden hoses to taps and place buckets of water around your property. 
• Keep a ladder visible for roof access by firefighters. 
• Seal attic and ground vents with plywood or commercial fire-resistant seals. 
• Park your car facing outward, loaded with your emergency kit and ready to go. 
• Do NOT leave sprinklers running, this can reduce water pressure for firefighting crews. 

After a Wildfire: How to Clean Your House Safely

Once it’s safe to return, you may be wondering: “After a wildfire, how can you clean your house?”

Here are a few basic tips: 

• Wear a N95 mask and gloves when cleaning up ash and debris. 
• Avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry ash, which can stir up particles, use wet cleaning methods instead. 
• Replace HVAC filters and clean ducts if your system was running during the fire. 
• Wash all surfaces, floors, and soft items like bedding and curtains thoroughly. 
• Have a professional inspection of smoke damage in walls and insulation done in your home.