The 2024 U.S. wildfire season is already off to a scary start. The total acreage burned to date is 133 percent above the national 10-year average. And climate scientists expect higher-than-normal temperatures to persist through October.
Many communities are still reeling from wildfires in 2023—like the one that swept through Maui in August, killing 101 people, injuring dozens more, and causing $5.5 billion in damages. The effects of the record fire season on Canada, where nearly 46 million acres of land burned, also triggered unprecedented public health emergencies across much of the United States.
Peak wildfire season varies slightly by region, but wildfire activity generally picks up in the summer months between April and October. Still, as climate change intensifies, some areas could see earlier springs, hotter summers, and drier vegetation. In turn, we could be dealing with longer fire seasons and more severe blazes that spread faster and are harder to put out. This picture is further complicated by the intensification of forest extraction, urban development in wildlands, the active suppression of all fires (including those that reduce fuel buildup), and the loss of forest stewardship as Indigenous Peoples are displaced.
With these increasing risks in mind, knowing what to do in case you ever encounter a wildfire is critical. Here are some preparation and evacuation tips; also be sure to read up on how to stay safe from wildfire smoke.
Preparation
Sign up for alerts
Stay informed on weather events, especially if you are in a fire-prone area.
Most wireless providers participate in a free public safety system run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that alerts people to public safety issues or imminent threats in their area. You may need to turn this feature on in your cell phone’s settings in order to receive the messages.
For iPhones: Go to Settings→Notifications. Scroll down to the Government Alerts section and toggle on the alerts you want to get.
For Androids: Go to Settings→Safety and Emergency→Wireless Emergency Alerts. Toggle on the alerts you want to get.
FEMA also has an app that will send real-time weather alerts, tips on preparing for extreme weather, and information on locating emergency shelters. Wildfire tracking apps can also be helpful if you live in a particularly risky area. Watch Duty, Fires—Wildfire Info & Atlas, and Firesource are free options with tracking features.
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can likely stay connected to your city’s emergency announcement system in other ways. For example, residents of Los Angeles, Seattle, and Dallas can receive alerts through email, text, or landline calls.
Make an escape plan
Take some time to put together an evacuation plan and share it with your family. Here are some important considerations:
- Do you have a place to stay for a few days?
- Is there a friend’s or family’s house in another city or state that you can go to? If not, look up the closest recommended emergency shelter via the Red Cross. You can also text SHELTER and your zip code to 43362. Note: Many shelters or hotels do not allow pets, so seek out accommodations where your animal companions can take cover too.
- Do you have transportation?
- If you don’t have a car or cannot drive, reach out to your friends, family, or neighbors to coordinate carpooling. Alternatively, contact local emergency services to learn about transportation options ahead of time. Be sure to map out two different evacuation routes as one route may become impassable due to the fires.
- Do you have loved ones who would require extra help during an emergency evacuation?
- If you or any family members have serious health issues, speak with a doctor to prepare an emergency medical plan.
- Carry the contact information of nearby family or friends who may need assistance.
- Become familiar with local emergency protocols and services in your area, including fire departments, faith-based organizations, and community centers.
Pack a go bag
Gathering necessary supplies beforehand makes it easier to evacuate on the fly. For wildfires, a stash of face masks, preferably N95s, is a go bag must-have. It’s a good idea to have an extra bag with essentials stashed in your car as well, in case you’re out and don’t have time to go home. Ready.gov has an extensive list of items you should bring, but here are the basics:
