WFCA publishes wildfire evacuation guidance
The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA) has released detailed guidance on what to do before, during and after a wildfire evacuation.
The WFCA said the aim is to help families, property owners and communities stay safe as wildfire seasons become longer and more frequent across the US.
The organisation explained that the best time to prepare for a wildfire evacuation is before one begins.
Its guide outlines essential preparation steps, evacuation procedures and safety checks for returning home after an evacuation.
Preparing for a wildfire evacuation
According to the WFCA, early preparation can make evacuation faster and safer when wildfire threats arise.
Households are advised to create an emergency ‘Go Bag’ containing essential supplies such as water, food, medication, cash and copies of important documents.
Each bag should include at least three gallons of water per person, three days’ worth of non-perishable food, a first aid kit and a flashlight powered by batteries.
The WFCA also recommended including pet food and water for animal companions.
Residents are urged to learn local evacuation routes and consider backup routes in case primary roads are blocked.
Plans should also include transportation for pets, livestock and service animals, along with accessible shelter options.
The WFCA said it is important to account for people in the household who may need extra assistance due to mobility, hearing or vision challenges.
Creating a communication and reunification plan with family members can prevent confusion if phone lines are down or household members are in different places during the evacuation.
What to do when an evacuation is issued
The WFCA explained that local authorities will use a three-level alert system for evacuation orders.
A Level 1 notice means ‘Ready’, Level 2 means ‘Set’, and Level 3 means ‘Go – Now!’.
Mandatory evacuation orders must be followed immediately, the organisation said.
When leaving a home, residents should close all doors, windows and vents to reduce radiant heat and drafts.
The WFCA advised switching on exterior and interior lights to make the home more visible in smoky conditions.
It also recommended moving flammable furniture indoors, filling large outdoor containers with water and turning off natural gas lines.
Homeowners should disconnect automatic garage door openers to allow for manual operation if power is lost.
The WFCA said that residents should check on neighbours who might struggle to evacuate and contact emergency services if anyone cannot leave on their own.
Returning home safely after an evacuation
Residents should only return once local authorities have confirmed that it is safe to do so.
The WFCA warned that hazards may remain even after a wildfire has passed.
Homeowners are advised to inspect their property carefully for damage and check for structural stability.
Utility companies should be contacted to report leaks or damaged infrastructure.
The WFCA said that landscaping should also be checked for falling trees or damaged fencing that could pose safety risks.
Homeowners are encouraged to document any property loss by taking photos or videos before contacting their insurance providers to begin the claims process.
Building long-term wildfire resilience
The WFCA said that fire-resistant landscaping and defensible space are key to reducing the risk of future wildfire damage.
Defensible space involves clearing combustible materials, using non-flammable building materials, and creating distance between vegetation and structures.
Techniques include removing debris, using stone or gravel for hardscaping, and selecting fire-resistant plants with high moisture content and deep roots.
The WFCA added that communities can further strengthen preparedness by developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
CWPPs are collaborative strategies developed by residents, local agencies and government bodies to address wildfire risks specific to their area.
The WFCA advised residents to register for local wildfire alert systems and stay informed through official communication channels.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
Wildfire evacuation preparedness and recovery planning are directly relevant for fire and rescue services, emergency management professionals and local government safety planners.
The WFCA guidance offers structured evacuation procedures that align with community protection strategies used by incident commanders and emergency planners.
Its recommendations on defensible space and fire-resistant landscaping provide practical measures that can reduce risk for property owners and support prevention work led by fire departments.
Emergency managers, fire chiefs and local authority safety officers can reference this material when updating public education campaigns and community wildfire protection plans.
Building and landscape engineers involved in wildfire-prone regions may also use the guidance to support resilience-focused design and planning.
This article was informed by information from the following source: The Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA)