Driving in an area that is being ravaged by wildfire can be tricky, dangerous, and emotionally unsettling. This is especially true if you’re assisting with evacuating both yourself and others. Here is what you need to know to be able to drive safely during this kind of natural disaster.
Fire can move fast and is very unpredictable. The local news station (online, television, or radio) can be a good source of information about the extent of the fire; however, the best information will be found on official fire department websites, which show maps which include the affected area, road closures, and shelters.
Be aware of the size of the fire and which direction it’s moving. Remember that wind can not only push a fire in a certain direction very quickly, but it can also lift embers and send them a distance away, which may start new fires. Fire can jump freeways and fire breaks. A location which seems safe may not be if conditions change, so pay attention to updates and always check often. If you’re in an evacuation area, start preparing to leave. We’ll talk about that more below.
In rural areas especially, roads may be closed to all but emergency vehicles and residents. If you’re a resident, make sure you have your identification so you can prove that you live in the area. If you’re helping someone who is evacuating, have the exact address and how long you’ll be there assisting. This information will help emergency personnel know how many people are still in the area of immediate threat.
If roads are closed and you can find an alternate route, take it, but be patient because it’s possible that everyone else is doing the same thing. Fleeing a fast-moving fire can be stressful and frightening. However, if you can stay calm, have a plan, and follow that plan, you’ll be in a better position to come through the incident safely.
If roads are closed and you can find an alternate route, take it, but be patient because it’s possible that everyone else is doing the same thing.
Fleeing a fast-moving fire can be stressful and frightening. However, if you can stay calm, have a plan, and follow that plan, you’ll be in a better position to come through the incident safely.
If you need to share the road with fire department apparatus, remember that they have the right of way and priority. You absolutely must follow their directions and instructions. Understand that road conditions may be hazardous because of water and debris. Drive slowly through any area that has emergency service personnel and be prepared to stop, reverse, detour, or turn around if they indicate you should do so. Be patient and courteous because these people have a very dangerous job to do and everyone has the same goal in mind: save lives, protect property, and minimize risk.
Listen to emergency channels and understand the current status of the fire. Load emergency supplies and must-have items in your vehicle so you can leave quickly. FEMA recommends the Five Ps of Evacuation: People, Prescriptions, Papers, Personal Needs, and Priceless Items. If possible, write this list down and use it as a checklist to make sure you have all of the items you need. Evacuate immediately if either the order is declared or you’ve been told to do so.
Think about where you are and where you need to go. In urban areas, you will want to leave as early as possible in order to avoid being caught in a rush of evacuees and emergency vehicles. If you’re in a rural or mountain area, understand that the roads may be narrow and sometimes one-way. If the wildfire is close, emergency personnel may be directing traffic or controlling access. Be patient and follow the directions of these officials. Stay calm and alert for hazards.
Local emergency management may open shelters for evacuees. Before you decide to go to an emergency evacuation shelter, understand what they provide and what restrictions they have. For example, they may provide access to on-site physicians, but not accept small pets.
If you will not be going to a local shelter, have a destination in mind and, if possible, call ahead to make reservations or otherwise ensure they know to expect you and when you plan to arrive. This is also the time to reach out to your out-of-state emergency contact and let them know your plans, including your route and destination.
As soon as you’re clear of the immediate danger, you can stop to rest. Calm yourself and anyone who may be upset, panicked, or fearful. Reach out and let people know you’re safe. Take the opportunity to eat and hydrate. This will help you keep a calm, clear head.
If you have horses or other animals that need to be evacuated, make sure that you practice your evacuation route using your horse trailer or hauler. Check to make sure that it’s compatible with the road’s width and grade on each potential exit route from your home. A stuck trailer could prevent others from using the same path to safely evacuate.
Most evacuation centers cannot accept animals (service animals are permitted). Contact your local fairgrounds, stockyards, equestrian centers, and/or friends about their ability to shelter animals in an emergency.
Excellent advice from IdahoFireWise.org includes the following:
Smoke is going to be one of the most visible and dangerous parts of the wildfire that you, as a motorist, will be dealing with.
Experts have these recommendations:
Avoid driving through areas where there is active fire close to roads, or where smoke obstructs your vision. If you need to pass through active burn areas to evacuate, stay as far as safely possible from any flames close to the edge of the road. Be sure to keep your headlights on and drive slowly through areas where there is low visibility.
Once out of the smoke area, open the windows and allow fresh air into the vehicle. Remember to have your air filters checked, cleaned, or replaced because they may have been clogged with ash.
All emergency vehicles have right of way during wildfire response. Give fire apparatus and equipment room to maneuver. Remember that US Forest Service fire trucks are green, and if equipment is coming in from other counties or states, they may be red, yellow, or white. Always watch for the flashing red lights which indicate official emergency vehicles. In addition, firefighting apparatus may also include hired equipment such as bulldozers and water tankers.
Do NOT position your vehicle to block access to a road or driveway.
Do NOT leave your vehicle blocking a roadway, especially on narrow roads. Pull off to the side or into a driveway.
During high risk fire danger days, make sure to keep narrow streets clear of vehicles and objects such as trash cans or other items that could get in the way of a fire truck.
If you must drive around firefighting equipment, do so very carefully and be prepared to stop immediately or back up if necessary.
Watch for firemen and other emergency personnel, especially ones wearing breathing equipment which limits their peripheral vision, and in areas where blowing smoke could obscure them from your view.
If you’re driving through an area which had previously burned and you see a flare-up or active burn without fire personnel attending it, be sure to note the location and call it in. Remember that some objects like logs and structures may still be smoldering and emitting smoke. However, if you see flames, that would be something that needs to be reported as soon as possible.
The Ready.gov website has this to say about being trapped in your vehicle or outside:
“If you are in a vehicle, base your decision to stay in the vehicle or to take cover outside on your specific circumstances, including your distance from the fire, the direction of the fire, whether there is fuel (e.g., brush and trees) near your vehicle, and the potential for rescue. Try to stay away from fuel sources; stay in a rocky area or roadway, or near a water source. Stay low to reduce the effects of heat and smoke, breathe through cloth to avoid inhaling smoke, and cover yourself with a wool blanket or coat, or even dirt. If you are trapped by the fire, immediately call 911, if possible, to provide your location and explain your situation.”
When the smoke gets particularly bad, wildfire ash may start to fall. When it collects on your car, it can cause a problem. It may be tempting to try and wipe the ash off, but doing so could scratch the paint.
If you only rinse your car off with water, it may release chemicals that are bad for the paint. Instead, thoroughly wash your car with soap and water. Using a wax afterwards can help protect your paint in the future.
Wait until the wildfire smoke has cleared to clean the ash off your car. And if you use a blower, you’ll just spread the ash around.
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