Download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations

Gusty winds, dry vegetation and low humidity are combining to bring an ongoing critical wildfire risk across the Midwest. The American Red Cross is monitoring the fire threat and offers steps people should take to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

Very strong winds ─ gusts as high as 80 mph ─ are expected from the Rocky Mountains through the Plains through the upcoming weekend, prompting the critical risk for wildfires. A critical wildfire risk means that conditions are ripe to make the start and rapid spread of wildfires highly likely, often leading to extreme fire behavior that is difficult to control and poses a severe threat to life, property, and natural resources.

FOLLOW THESE SAFETY STEPS The first steps involve planning and preparation ─ they’re your best defense. Visit here for full information on how to get your household prepared.

Next, download the free Red Cross Emergency app for real-time alerts, expert advice in English and Spanish, and available disaster shelter and support locations. Search “American Red Cross” in app stores or go to redcross.org/apps.

WILDFIRE SAFETY A wildfire can spread very quickly, leaving you little time to get to safety. Be prepared to evacuate at a moment’s notice and obey all instructions from officials.

• If you feel you’re in danger, leave immediately. You might not get an official notice to evacuate.
• Know where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and where you’ll stay. Plan well in advance if you’ll need help leaving or use public transportation. If you have a car, ensure the gas tank is full and park it facing the direction of your evacuation route.
• Keep your pets in one room, so you can find them quickly if you need to evacuate.
• Monitor local weather and fires near you. Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government. Stay up to date on evacuation routes and road closures that could impact your plans.
• Limit exposure to smoke and dust. Keep indoor air clean by closing windows and doors to prevent outside smoke from getting in. To help keep your indoor air clean, don’t use anything that burns, such as candles, fireplaces and gas stoves

This year, the wildfire risk is high with dry conditions covering 40% of the country. Experts say the risk will be highest across the Four Corners (southwestern corner of Colorado, southeastern corner of Utah, northeastern corner of Arizona, and northwestern corner of New Mexico). Elevated risks are also showing across Florida and parts of the mid-Atlantic region.

Wildfire season typically starts in May and ends in November, with most fires occurring during the summer months. In the early 1950s, the season lasted about five months, but due to the climate crisis and worsening conditions, it now stretches to around seven months.  August is the peak month for wildfires, as conditions become drier and hotter, making areas more susceptible to fires. The states with the highest number of wildfires include California, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, and Oklahoma.