By: Allison Skoglind, Red Cross Volunteer

Wildfire is an increasing threat across the Cascades Region, growing larger and more destructive each year. After a particularly warm winter season, communities may face an even greater risk in the months ahead. As more people move into wildfire-prone areas, taking proactive steps to protect our homes, families, and communities is more important than ever. 

Every wildfire season brings uncertainty, but preparation can make a powerful difference in protecting the people and places we love. The American Red Cross is committed to helping families prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters like wildfires. 

Understanding the Risk and Preventing Wildfires

Wildfires can spread at incredible speed, putting lives, animals, and homes at risk. While lightning sometimes ignites fires, many wildfires are caused by human activity. Prevention is one of the most important ways individuals can help reduce wildfire risk. 

How to help prevent wildfires from starting

Campfires: 
Use only designated fire pits that are surrounded by stones and cleared of nearby vegetation. Never leave a fire unattended. Before leaving, fully extinguish the fire by dousing it with water and covering it with dirt. 

Yard Waste: 
Only burn yard waste if it is allowed by your local municipality. Use a proper burn barrel or pit and avoid burning on windy days. Never use gasoline or other highly combustible materials to start a fire. 

Equipment and Vehicles: 
Do not park hot vehicles in dry grass. Tractors, chainsaws, and other equipment used in wooded areas should have spark arrestors installed. Avoid spilling gas or oil onto dry vegetation. 

Smoking and Fireworks: 
Dispose of matches and cigarette butts in closed containers. If fireworks are permitted in your area, keep a water source nearby and wet down surrounding vegetation beforehand. 

Wildfire Preparedness Checklist

Taking time to prepare before a wildfire occurs can help your family respond quickly and safely if conditions change. Here’s what to do before, during, and after a wildfire. 

Before a Wildfire

Plan Your Routes: 
Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home and community and practice them with everyone in your household. 

Build a Go-Kit: 
Prepare a disaster kit with at least three days of essential supplies, including food, water, important documents, and a one-month supply of medications. 

Stay Informed: 
Sign up for local emergency alerts and warnings. Keep a battery-powered radio and backup phone chargers available. 

Create Defensible Space: 
Clear dry grass, shrubs, and flammable debris from around your home, especially within the first few feet of your residence. 

Prepare Your Vehicle: 
Keep your gas tank at least half full so you can evacuate quickly if needed. 

During a Wildfire

Monitor Conditions: 
Follow updates from local authorities regarding fire activity, weather conditions, and evacuation orders. 

Evacuate Early: 
Leave immediately if officials advise evacuation or if you feel unsafe, even if an official order has not yet been issued. 

Grab Your Go-Kit: 
Keep your disaster supplies in an easily accessible location so you can leave quickly. 

After a Wildfire

Wait for the All-Clear: 
Do not return home until local officials confirm it is safe to do so. 

Watch for Hazards: 
Avoid hot ash, smoldering debris, downed power lines, and unstable trees. 

Food and Water Safety: 
Discard food that has been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot. Confirm with local health authorities that drinking water is safe. 

Clean Up Safely: 
Wear protective gear such as an N95 respirator, gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from ash and debris. 

Additional Support and Resources

Experiencing a disaster can feel overwhelming, and emotional recovery is just as important as physical safety. If you or someone you know needs support, the Disaster Distress Helpline is available at 1-800-985-5990. 

For real-time alerts and additional preparedness tips, download the free Red Cross Emergency App, available in both English and Spanish. 

When wildfires strike, the Red Cross is there to provide shelter, food, relief supplies, and emotional support for those affected. Together, through preparation and prevention, we can help keep the Cascades Region safer. 

To support those recovering from a wildfire disaster, donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Fund.