Wildfire Survival: Evacuation and Shelter

Evacuate immediately when evacuation orders are issued—do not wait for confirmation calls. Level 3 (Evacuation Warning) means prepare to leave and monitor for Level 2. Level 2 (Evacuation Order) means leave now. Level 1 (Pre-Evacuation Notice) means be ready. Gather immediate family, pets, and critical documents. Take your pre-packed go-bag. Drive away from the fire on known routes. If roads are congested, turn on headlights and drive slowly. Never try to outrun an approaching fire once evacuation is mandatory.

Waiting for evacuation confirmation can cost you minutes you don't have. Once a Level 2 order is issued, leave immediately.

Shelter-in-place only if evacuation becomes impossible (blocked roads, rapid fire spread). Close all doors and windows. Turn off gas; leave electricity on for light. Fill all sinks and bathtubs with water for emergency use. Wet towels and place under door gaps. Close interior doors to slow fire spread. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Breathe through a damp cloth. Move to the safest room—ideally a basement or interior room away from windows and exterior walls. If fire reaches the structure, move to a closet or small interior room with water access.

Shelter-in-place kills people. Evacuate unless absolutely trapped. Even then, survival is not guaranteed.

Zone 1 (0–5 feet): Remove all dead leaves, branches, and debris from roof and gutters. Trim tree branches 6–10 feet above ground. Remove dead trees and tree limbs hanging over the roof. Keep mulch 5 feet away from house. Zone 2 (5–30 feet): Space out trees so crowns don't touch. Remove lower branches up to 8–10 feet. Keep shrubs 10 feet from tree trunks. Zone 3 (30–100+ feet): Thin tree density by removing small or diseased trees. Clear brush and dead wood. Maintain 10 feet of space between tree crowns. Clear leaves and needles from entire property. Use fire-resistant plants. Install metal gutters and close gutter ends. Replace wood siding with fire-resistant materials if possible.

Move away from the fire at a diagonal angle, not directly away—fire travels uphill faster and spreads sideways. Run toward an already-burned area if visible—the fire has already passed. Avoid vegetation and dry brush; move to bare ground or grassland with fewer fuel sources. Drop to the ground in a depression or ditch if fire is very close; cover exposed skin with clothing or soil. Lie face-down, upwind of the flames. Cover your airways with cloth. Use any water available to wet clothing. Do not try to hide in caves or dense woods—they trap heat and smoke.

Running straight ahead often leads to being trapped. Moving diagonally or toward already-burned areas increases survival odds.

If trapped in a vehicle during a wildfire, stay inside with windows and doors closed. Keep headlights on and move slowly toward safety if roads are passable. If fire surrounds the vehicle, turn off the engine. Turn off air conditioning; close all vents and recirculation. Crouch low below window level. Cover yourself with a blanket or jacket. Wet cloth to breathe through. Heat from the exterior fire can kill occupants even if the vehicle doesn't catch fire. If the vehicle catches fire, abandon it only if you can run to safety—otherwise stay until help arrives. Keep a survival kit with water and first aid in your vehicle.

Staying in a vehicle is survival of last resort. Only do this if evacuation roads are completely blocked.

Smoke kills faster than flames in wildfires. Limit time outdoors and wear an N95 or P100 mask if outside air quality is poor. Wet cloth over nose and mouth helps but is not a full substitute. Indoors: seal windows and doors. Use HVAC with MERV-13+ filters or portable HEPA filters. Keep medications (inhalers, rescue puffs) accessible. Drink water regularly. Avoid strenuous activity outdoors. If experiencing severe coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, move to cleaner air immediately. Children, elderly, and people with respiratory conditions are at higher risk.

Wait for official all-clear before returning to your property. Check for hidden fire inside walls and under debris. Wear N95 masks—ash is toxic. Survey for structural damage: cracked foundations, compromised roof, or leaning walls indicate danger. Test water taps; boil water for 1 minute before drinking if system was affected by fire. Check for gas leaks (rotten-egg smell); if detected, leave immediately. Inspect propane tanks for damage. Clear ash from gutters and outdoor vents. Document damage with photos for insurance. Avoid walking through ash clouds or handling burned material without protective gear. Consult a structural engineer before entering a severely damaged building.