Prepare for a Wildfire
The 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California killed 85 people and destroyed nearly 19,000 structures, making it the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history. The 2020 fire season burned over 10 million acres nationwide. Wildfires are no longer limited to remote forests — they threaten suburbs and entire towns.
When a wildfire approaches, evacuation orders can come with minutes of lead time. N95 masks, a go-bag, and a family evacuation plan are critical. FEMA and CAL FIRE both recommend maintaining a ready-to-go kit at all times during fire season.
How to prepare for wildfire season
Defensible space: CAL FIRE recommends clearing all dead vegetation within 30 feet of your home (Zone 1) and reducing density of trees and shrubs within 100 feet (Zone 2). Move firewood at least 30 feet away from structures. Clean roof and gutters of dry leaves and pine needles every spring. These steps reduce home loss probability by up to 80% according to USFS structural ignition studies.
Sign up for alerts: Every Western state has a wildfire alert system. In California: CAL FIRE Ready For Wildfire app + WatchDuty (free, run by former firefighters). In the Pacific Northwest: NOAA Watch Center alerts. In Colorado, Arizona, and the Mountain West: state emergency management apps. Cell service often fails during fires — sign up for landline-based reverse 911 too.
Go-bag in the car: During fire season (June to October in most western states), keep a ready-to-go evacuation bag in your vehicle. When an evacuation order comes, you may have 15 minutes to leave. Critical items: N95 or P100 masks for smoke (regular surgical masks do nothing), goggles, important documents in a fireproof bag, medications for two weeks, pet carriers, and a leash for each animal. Read our wildfire preparation guide for the full evacuation playbook.
Wildfire kit essentials
- N95 or P100 respirators: Wildfire smoke contains PM2.5 particles that go deep into the lungs. Stockpile masks for every household member plus extras for swapping. KN95s and cloth masks are insufficient.
- Goggles: Smoke and ash irritate eyes severely. Pack snug-fitting safety goggles, not just sunglasses.
- Air purifier with HEPA filter: For shelter-in-place during smoke events. A box fan with MERV 13 furnace filter taped on (Corsi-Rosenthal box) is a $50 alternative recommended by the EPA.
- Fireproof document bag: Insurance, deeds, IDs, family photos backed up to cloud, prescriptions. Many wildfire victims lose everything they cannot grab in 15 minutes.
- Hose and sprinkler system: If time permits, wet down the roof and surrounding vegetation as embers can travel a mile ahead of the main fire.
- Pet supplies: Carrier for each animal, leash, 7-day food supply, vaccination records (required by most shelters).