Wildfire alerts and protective action
Wildfire conditions and evacuation orders can change rapidly. Prepare to leave early and rely on local fire and emergency officials.
This retained reference page explains preparedness and protective actions; it is not a live alert feed or a forecast. For current conditions, use official alerts for your location.
Prepare before an alert
- Sign up for local alerts and learn the evacuation terms used by your jurisdiction.
- Identify more than one route and destination, including transport and animal arrangements.
- Keep medicine, identification, protective clothing, communications, and essential supplies ready to take.
Watch and warning language
A watch means the hazard is possible and you should be ready to act. A warning means the hazard is occurring, imminent, or highly likely in the warned area and protective action is needed. Read the complete official alert because wording and actions vary by hazard.
Protective actions
- Leave immediately when ordered and consider leaving earlier if officials advise it or you need more travel time.
- Use official routes; do not drive toward a fire or around closures.
- If trapped, call emergency services and give your location; follow dispatcher and fire-official instructions.
- Return only after officials allow it and watch for hot spots, damaged utilities, unstable structures, and harmful smoke.
Important: Call emergency services for immediate danger. Always follow current directions from local authorities over general web guidance.
Related PREPHAUS resources
Official sources
Source links are provided for provenance and current official instructions. No publication or retrieval date is asserted here.