Wildfires

Wildfire Warnings
"Red Flag" Alert - this indicates that weather conditions (dry ground cover, low moisture and gusty winds) create a conducive environment for the rapid spread of wildfires.
If a wildfire should occur in your vicinity, report it immediately by calling 9-1-1.

The following tips can help to reduce the risk of a wildfire near your home or property:
  • Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, eaves, porches and decks. This helps to prevent embers from igniting your home.
  • Create a “fire-free” area within five feet of the home, using non-flammable landscaping materials such as rocks, pavers and/or high-moisture content annuals and perennials.
  • Remove dead vegetation from under decks and within 10 feet of homes.
  • Remove flammable materials (firewood stacks, propane canisters, dry vegetation) within 30 feet of a home’s foundation or other outbuildings, including garages and sheds.
  • Citizens are also reminded to check fire alarms in homes and offices, build an emergency preparedness kit and make a family communications plan.
If Wildfire Warnings are Issued for Your Area
  • Be ready to vacate the premises immediately should evacuation notices be issued; activate your family’s emergency and communication plans.
  • Pack only needed items, do not overload vehicles; be sure to pack essential medications, special food supplies, important documents, emergency contact numbers, cash, and cell phones/charges.
  • Park your vehicle facing an easily accessible exit route.
  • Make plans for accommodations outside of fire-impacted areas.
  • Keep children nearby and calmly explain your family’s emergency steps; gather pets so they will be easy to find and transport should an evacuation noticed be issued; have car seats and children’s supplies packed in the vehicle.
  • Ensure smoke alarms are working properly within homes/barns; remove any flammable items or natural debris from around your home, outbuildings or sheds.
  • Determine best the routes to avoid smoke, debris, or other wild-fire related obstructions; dial 5-1-1 or view their website for up-to-date road closures.
  • Set aside household items that can be used as fire tools: rakes, axes, hand saws or chain saws, water hose, buckets and shovels in case the need arises to fight small fires before emergency responders arrive.
  • If you have livestock compile vaccination/ medical records, registration papers, photographs of your animals (proof of ownership), and any vet prescribed medications; if animals must be left on the premises, leave them in a pre-selected, cleared area. Leave enough hay for 48 to 72 hours and ensure a water source is available. Do not rely on automatic watering systems as power may be lost if fires impact the vicinity.
Should Fire Impact Your Home or Building
  • Evacuate the structure immediately, calmly and safely; follow evacuation plans, moving directly to the nearest fire/smoke-free exit.
  • If smoke has infiltrated the building, place yourself as near to the floor as possible, crawl if needed to seek smoke-free air.
  • Do not proceed onto flame/smoke-filled stairwells (be aware that small amounts may be present throughout the building).
  • Test doors for heat with the back of your hand before opening them; do not open a hot door - find another escape route.
  • DO NOT use elevators.
  • Use a cell phone to call 9-1-1 immediately; do not assume that the fire has already been reported.
  • Proceed to a pre-determined meeting place.
    • If Trapped Indoors by Fire
  • Stay calm.
  • Place yourself near an outside window as far away from the smoke/fire as possible.
  • Use clothing, towels, or other materials to close cracks around doors to prevent smoke from entering the area.
  • Remain where rescuers can see you; wave a bright colored cloth or other noticeable object to attract attention.
  • Open a window, if possible. Be prepared to close it if smoke begins to penetrate the area. Only break windows as a last resort.
Fire Composite
Steps Following a Fire
FEMA recommends the following step if impacted by a fire:
  • If you need accommodations, food, medical services, or other essential supplies, contact local agencies (Red Cross, Social Services, or other aid agencies) for assistance.
  • Contact your respective insurance company for instructions on protecting the property, conducting property inventories and contacting fire damage restoration companies. If you are not insured, contact private organizations for aid and assistance.
  • Check with local fire officials to ensure residence/structure is safe to re-enter. Be aware of any structural damage caused by the fire.
  • DO NOT attempt to reconnect utilities yourself. Check with your utilities company or local fire officials to determine if it is safe to reconnect units.
  • Conduct an inventory of damaged property and items; take photos, if possible. Do not throw away any damaged items until after an inventory is complete.
  • Try to locate valuable documents and records. Read information on retrieving vital records, if they are lost or damaged in a fire.
  • If you leave your home, contact local law enforcement to let them know the site will be vacant for a period of time. Inform neighbors and those on your emergency contact list as to where you will be residing. Contact the local post office to have mail held/directed appropriately.
  • Begin saving receipts for any money you spend related to fire loss. The receipts may be needed later by the insurance company and for verifying losses claimed on income tax.
  • Notify the appropriate mortgage company of the fire.
  • Check with an accountant or the Internal Revenue Service about special benefits for those recovering from fire loss.