Wildfire Safety Guide

Defensible space, evacuation go-bags, smoke protection, and returning home safely after a wildfire.

Compiled from official emergency-management guidance (FEMA/Ready.gov, IFRC, WHO, national agencies) · Reviewed by the WND Editorial Team · Last reviewed:

Key action: When evacuation is advised, leave immediately — wildfires can move faster than you can drive. Prepare your go-bag and evacuation plan before fire season, not during the smoke.

Before the event

  • Create defensible space: clear dead vegetation and flammables at least 10 m around your home (more on slopes).
  • Clean roofs and gutters of leaves and needles; use ember-resistant vents.
  • Keep a packed go-bag: documents, medications, N95 masks, water, cash, chargers.
  • Plan two evacuation routes and a family meeting point; know community shelters.
  • Sign up for local emergency alerts; know local evacuation-level terminology.
  • Keep vehicles fuelled during fire-weather warnings.

During the event

  • Evacuate immediately when authorities advise — do not wait to see flames.
  • Wear long sleeves, sturdy shoes, and an N95 mask against smoke.
  • Drive with headlights on, windows closed, air on recirculate; watch for fleeing wildlife and emergency vehicles.
  • If trapped in a vehicle: park away from vegetation, close everything, lie below window level under a wool blanket, call emergency services.
  • If trapped at home: stay inside away from outside walls, fill sinks/tubs with water, keep the family together and visible to rescuers.
  • On foot: move crosswind away from the fire, downhill if possible (fire runs uphill fast); a cleared or burned area can be refuge.

After the event

  • Return only after official all-clear; hidden embers reignite for days.
  • Watch for hot spots, smouldering stumps, and weakened trees or structures.
  • Wear gloves and an N95 mask during cleanup; ash is toxic, especially to children.
  • Check the roof and attic for embers; wet down debris.
  • Discard food exposed to heat or smoke.
  • After a fire, slopes lose vegetation — be alert to flash floods and debris flows in rain (see landslide guide).

Emergency kit checklist

  • N95/FFP2 masks for every family member
  • Goggles, gloves, cotton/wool clothing (avoid synthetics)
  • Water, food, torch, radio, power banks
  • Documents and irreplaceable items pre-staged for fast loading
  • Wool blankets in the car during fire season

Evacuation guidance

  • Leave at the earliest advice — late evacuation through smoke and flame is the deadliest scenario.
  • Close all windows and doors (unlocked), shut gas, leave lights on for visibility.
  • Take your go-bag and pets; text your route to a contact.
  • If routes are blocked, head to a large cleared area (car park, sports field, beach).

What NOT to do

  • Do NOT ignore evacuation orders to defend property with a garden hose.
  • Do NOT return for belongings once evacuated.
  • Do NOT drive through heavy smoke.
  • Do NOT fly drones near wildfires — they ground firefighting aircraft.
  • Do NOT burn debris or use spark-producing tools during fire-weather warnings.

Children, older people and people with disabilities

  • Smoke harms children, pregnant people, older adults and anyone with heart/lung conditions first — evacuate them early, even without an order.
  • Keep several days of medications in the go-bag.
  • Plan transport in advance for those who cannot drive.

Pet safety

  • Evacuate pets with you at the first advice — you may not be allowed back.
  • Carriers, leashes, food and vet records in the go-bag.
  • Move livestock early; open gates as a last resort rather than leaving animals penned.

Frequently asked questions

How fast can a wildfire spread?

Wind-driven wildfires can spread faster than 20 km/h in grass and throw embers kilometres ahead of the fire front, starting new fires. This is why "leave early" is the universal official advice.

Does a wet towel or cloth mask protect against smoke?

No — cloth and surgical masks do not filter the fine PM2.5 particles in wildfire smoke. Use an N95/FFP2 respirator, and stay indoors with filtered air when possible.

Disclaimer: general guidance compiled from official emergency-management recommendations (FEMA/Ready.gov, IFRC, WHO and national agencies). It does not replace instructions from your local authorities. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.