5 practical steps to protect your family and home from fire

# Why preparation matters

The recent wildfires near Spokane, Washington, consumed nearly 16 square miles and destroyed more than 700 homes. Weather and fuels drive fires, so you can't control drought or wind. You can control what's around your home, how your household acts, and how quickly you leave if authorities order an evacuation.

# The five actions to take now

1. Create a protective zone around your home

Most homes that survive wildfires have a cleared space free of combustible materials around them. Practical tasks to reduce ignition risk:

• Trim low-hanging tree branches and remove brush that brings flames close to the structure.
• Keep grass short to reduce surface fuels.

These steps don't stop a firestorm, but they lower the chance that embers or spot fires will catch your house.

2. Avoid accidentally starting fires

Many household and outdoor activities can spark a blaze when conditions are dangerous. Reduce that risk by following these behaviors:

• Do not light campfires or burn debris when bans or restrictions are in place.
• Avoid using machinery that can generate sparks on high-risk days.
• Observe local bans on outdoor burning and skip any backyard burning when air and weather conditions are hazardous.

3. Prepare a family evacuation plan and practice it

When officials order an evacuation, time is limited. Your family should know exactly what to do:

• Pick a designated meeting point and a way to communicate if phone service fails.
• Practice the path and timing so everyone knows how to get out quickly.
• Include pets in your plan and know where you will take them.
• If you live in an apartment, ask management about the building's escape plan and any specific steps for your unit.

4. Prepare an emergency go-bag

Assemble a backpack ahead of time with items to cover several days. The article recommends including:

• Medications and copies of prescriptions
• Important documents (passports, birth certificates) and photos of them uploaded to the cloud
• Water and nonperishable food
• Flashlight, batteries, and chargers
• Cash, clothing, hygiene items, and basic supplies

Pack for every household member and keep a pet kit if you have animals.

5. Stay informed and act early

Sign up for local emergency alert systems and follow official guidance. If authorities issue an evacuation order, leave promptly rather than waiting for visible flames. Wildfires can move fast and conditions can change abruptly.

# The practical outcome

You cannot prevent all wildfires, but these five actions make a real difference in whether you and your home can escape or survive a nearby fire. A cleared perimeter, cautious behavior on high-risk days, a practiced plan, a ready go-bag, and prompt response to alerts turn a chaotic emergency into a controlled evacuation.