Wildfires are a natural hazard in any forested and grassland regions.

Facts on wildfires

• Wildfires provoked by lightning count for 45% of fires; however, because of the fact that they produce themselves in far regions and often in clusters, they represent 81% of total surface burned.
• Fires caused by humans count for 55% of fires. They occur in populated areas and are generally signaled and turned off quickly.

How to prepare for a wildfire

• If your community is surrounded by brush, grassland or forest zones, follow the instructions stated here to prepare your family and your household from possible wildfires.
• Prepare an emergency kit.
• Remove the things that could provoke fires around your house, like branches, dry leaves and debris.
• Equip yourself with a good sprinkler and place it in an accessible location.
• Learn fire protection techniques and talk it out with your family members.
• Regularly execute fire drills with your family.
• Equip yourself with a first-aid kit in order to treat injured people before emergency services arrive.
• Plan an evacuation plan so that every family member knows how to get out of the house quickly and safely.
• Work out an emergency plan so that family members can communicate with each other if they are separated during an evacuation.
• Make sure all members of your family know the technique that involves STOPPING, DROPPING ON THE FLOOR and ROLL in case their clothes would catch on fire.
• Make sure there’s smoke detectors on each floor and in every bedroom.
• Communicate with a fire department in your area to know how to make your house fireproof.
• If you own a farm or a ranch, it can be preferable to not shelter the cattle when a wildfire occurs because the animals could be trapped in the shelter, burning them alive. It is preferable to let the animals free or, if you have the time and your personal safety isn’t threatened, to evacuate them from the touched area.

What to do when a wildfire approaches my house

If you see a fire approaching your house or your community, report it immediately by dialing 9-1-1 or the emergency number in your area. If it’s safe and you have the time before the fire arrives, you should execute the following measures :

• Close all windows and doors of the house.
• Cover up vents, windows and other openings of the house with duct tape or plywood pieces preferably cut.
• Park your car in order for you to leave your driveway driving forward, do not lock the doors or let the keys in. Let your car windows closed and place valuable objects in it.
• Turn off propane or natural gas pipes. Position propane barbecues out in open air, far away from structures.
• Turn on the lights in the house, porch, garage and yard. Inside the house, move away combustible objects, like curtains and light furniture from the windows.
• In front of the house, place a ladder reaching the roof.
• Place lawn sprinklers on the rooftop and turn on the water.
• Move away from the house all combustible materials, firewood and lawn furniture in particular.
• Take refuge with your family and animals in a safe area.
• Listen to a radio station from your area to get updated information about the fire and possible escape routes.

What to do during a wildfire or forest fire

• Listen to radio stations in your area.
• Be ready to proceed evacuation at any time. If you are told to leave, do so.
• Keep doors and windows of your house closed.
• Remove drapes, curtains, awnings or other flammable window covers.
• Let the lights turned on so that visibility is increased if smoke penetrates the house.
• If water supply is sufficient, activate sprinklers to humidify the roof or any other valuable objects that are water-proof.