Fires

Before a Wildfire:

+ Keep roof and cutters clean.
+ Inspect chimneys semi-annually.
+ Install dual-sensor smoke alarms on each level of the home, especially in bedrooms.
+ Regularly check battery life of smoke detectors.
+ Instruct each family member how to use a fire extinguisher and where they are located.
+ Know where household items are that could be used as fire tools (rake, axe, saw, etc.).
+ Keep a ladder that can reach the roof of your home.

During a Wildfire:

+ Evacuate immediately upon being instructed to do so.
+ Stay alert to changes that could impact the fire (wind, smoke, etc).
+ Alert 9-1-1; you may be the first person to do so.
+ Close all doors inside the home to decrease likelihood of draft.
+ Remove curtains and flammable furniture from windows and other exit routes.
+ Shut off natural gas.
+ Fill pools, hot tubs, sinks, baths, and other large containers with water.
+ Dowse home and roof with lawn sprinklers.
+ Bag valuables and place them in containers of water.
+ Turn on lights to increase visibility in smoke.

After a Wildfire:

+ If you were ordered to evacuate your home, do not re-enter until instructed by safety officials.
+ Beware of hidden “hot spots” which can flare suddenly.
+ Look for and put out embers and sparks.
+ If you are a burn victim, or accompanied by a burn victim, call 9-1-1 and immediately seek aid. Cover and cool burns to decrease likelihood of infection.
+ Avoid opening safes for several hours, as they can contain intense heat and could erupt into flames.
+ Avoid fallen wires and power lines.
+ Watch animals and pets to prevent burns from hitten embers.
+ Wet debris to prevent intake of dust particles.

Causes of Wildfires:

Wildfires can be ignited by a variety of occurrences. In addition to lightning, humanrelated activities start a large number of fires every year. Unattended or out-of-control campfires, a discarded burning cigarette, arson, or even equipment use can set off a blaze.

Once a forest fire has started, many factors contribute to its spread and intensity.

+ Fuel: such as leaves, needles, grass, branches, and logs.
+ Weather: including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind.
+ Topography: or landscape of the area, as steep slopes offer greater potential for increased fire intensity and more obstacles for fire fighting.