Wildfire

Every year, wildfires burn across the United States, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. In 2016, a total of 4,312 structures were destroyed by wildfires, including more than 3,000 homes and more than 70 commercial buildings.

In 2017, the U.S. saw more than 56,000 wildfires burn more than 9 million acres of land, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. NFPA provides a number of resources to help residents prepare before a wildfire threatens. Additional information can also help neighborhoods plan for an evacuation and what to do once you return home.

• Tips for evacuating your household pets and horses
• The ember threat and the home ignition zone
• How to protect roofs, decks and attics/crawl spaces from embers
• Tips for when you return home after a wildfire

Free resources

Tips for high fire danger days

The National Weather Service issues warnings (also known as Red Flag Days) when weather conditions will support increased wildfire activity and rapid fire growth. Take steps ahead of time and prepare to put your plan into action.

Download the tip sheet.

Backpack Emergency Go Kit

A wildfire could knock out your cell phone! Make a plan, and get back to normal faster.

Download the kit.

Video: Dr. Jack Cohen, Fire Science Researcher with the USDA Forest Service, explains current research about how homes ignite during wildfires, and the actions that homeowners can take to help their home survive the impacts of flames and embers.  

News from our Fire Break blog