Wildfires can develop quickly and threaten homes, businesses and entire communities. Whether you live in an area prone to wildfires or are preparing for wildfire season, taking steps before a fire starts may help protect your family and property.
According to the United Nations Environment Program, wildfires are becoming more intense and more frequent. Every year, wildfires burn millions of acres across the United States. As a result, millions of people each year face the threat of wildfires or the loss of their belongings.
Wildfires are unpredictable, but you can minimize the risks to yourself, your family, and your belongings by following our guide. If a wildfire causes significant damage to your home or property, a wildfire lawyer can evaluate your case and explain any available legal options.
Home Ignition Zones: Securing Your Home from a Wildfire
The idea of the home ignition zone was introduced by USDA Forest Fire Service scientist Jack Cohen in the late 1990s. The idea stems from the fact that most homes lost to wildfires are ignited first by embers and small flames. By understanding the home ignition zone, homeowners may be able to reduce the susceptibility of the area around the home and the home itself.
Understanding ignition zones can help you safeguard your home as you prepare for wildfires.
What are the home ignition zones?
The home ignition zone is an area of 0-200 feet from the foundation of your home. It contains the following three subzones:
Immediate Zone
The immediate zone is 0-5 feet from the home—including the home itself. This zone is the most vulnerable to small embers.
- How to secure: Install hard surfaces, use noncombustible landscaping, and don’t store materials under decks.
Intermediate Zone
The intermediate zone is 5-30 feet from the home.
- How to secure: Use fire-smart landscaping to plan an area that would reduce fuel flow and slow the spread of a fire in the event of a wildfire. Some items include artificial grass, gravel, or decorative rock.
Extended Zone
The extended zone is the space 30-100+ feet from the home.
- How to secure: space and prune trees and vegetation to keep flames smaller and lower to the ground to help interrupt the fire’s path.
Further, if your home is in a wildfire-prone area, it’s important to choose building materials that protect it from fire.
How to reduce the forest fire risk factors under your control
Although many forest fires originate from natural causes or infrastructure failures, a significant number are also caused by people. Many seemingly harmless things can cause a forest fire. Some examples of actions that can cause forest fires are:
- a poorly extinguished campfire
- a grill too close to dry vegetation
- fireworks
- cigarette butts
- using machinery that produces sparks
These seemingly harmless things can quickly become the starting point of a fire, especially during times of intense heat, drought, or high winds. Following Texas burn bans can help reduce preventable wildfire risks during periods of extreme fire danger.
Practical Ways to Minimize Risk Factors:
- Put out campfires completely. Before you leave, soak the wood, coals, and ashes with plenty of water. Stir everything, add more water, and make sure it is all cool to the touch.
- Use portable grills and stoves only in uncluttered areas. Keep them far from dry grass, leaves, branches, and anything else that can catch fire.
- Follow local restrictions on burning and campfires. When the fire risk is high, outdoor fires may be prohibited altogether. Keep in mind that ignoring burn bans can have legal consequences.
- Never toss cigarette butts on the ground or out of your car window. Even if they look out, a small ember can start a fire in dry grass.
- Be cautious when using tools or machines. Equipment such as trimmers, chainsaws and metal tools can create sparks that might start a fire.
- Always have a fire extinguisher or water nearby when using fire or heat-producing tools outside.
- Watch any open flames at all times. Never leave a campfire, grill, or controlled burn unattended, even for a short time.
Taking these precautions helps protect your home and family, neighbors, wildlife, and nearby communities. You also minimize the risk of being held liable for damages caused by a fire that got out of hand. In many cases, taking a few minutes to put out a fire or check the area before you leave can prevent serious damage.
Wildfire Preparedness Tips
Now that you have a clear picture of the home ignition zone, it's time to prepare for wildfires. Use the following tips to create a 30-100 foot safety zone around your home. To create this area, take the following steps:
Clean up
Keeping the area around your home and property can reduce the risks of wildfires spreading. Remove dead leaves, limbs, twigs and other vegetation that can fuel the fire. Ask the power company to clear branches near power lines.
Clear items that will burn from around your home, such as wood piles, lawn furniture, barbecue grills and tarp coverings. Anything that could catch fire should be moved outside of your defensible space.
Review Important Documents
- Make sure your important documents such as insurance policies, ID cards and other personal documents are up to date.
- Store original copies in an easily accessible place in case you have to evacuate quickly.
- Make copies of important documents and secure them in a safe space.
- Store digital copies of your documents in a password-protected digital space.
Know Your Evacuation Route
An important step is planning how you will leave and where you will go if you are required to evacuate. Familiarize yourself with alternative routes in case of heavy traffic or accidents. Practice evacuating with all members of your family, including your pets. If an evacuation seems likely, keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle.
If you don’t have a car, it’s important that you create a plan to evacuate. You may want to stay with a family member or a friend. If neither of those is an option, you can look into emergency management resources available to you.
Prepare Your Go Bag
Go-bags should be prepared before the wildfire season begins. Items to include:
- Water (3-day supply)
- Non-perishables (3-day supply)
- First aid kits
- 3-4 days worth of clothes
- Baby supplies (bottles, diapers, formula, wipes)
- Medications and medical supplies
- Copies of important documents (medication list, medical info, proof of address, deed/lease to the home, bank, IRS, trust, investments, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies, etc.)
- Inventory of the home contents (see our inventory sheet in the resources below)
- Pet supplies
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Whistle
- N95 mask
- Extra sets of car keys and house keys
Prepare a go-bag to carry for traveling on foot and another for traveling longer distances.
Staying Safe During a Wildfire
Watching for emergency alerts can keep you updated on wildfire activity. When authorities tell you to evacuate, do not hesitate to follow instruction. Having a go-bag ready can help prepare you for an evacuation.
Even after flames have passed, wildfire smoke injuries may continue affecting nearby communities. Using an N95 mask can help protect you from smoke inhalation.
*Note: As you prepare for wildfires, be careful about carrying combustible items such as hand sanitizer.
What Happens If a Wildfire Causes Significant Damage?
Even when homeowners take every precaution, wildfires can still result in devastating losses. Recovery often involves:
- insurance claims
- documenting damage
- temporary housing
- rebuilding
- determining whether negligence contributed
An attorney can help with any wildfire damage claims that may be available in your situation.
Know the Attorneys Who Handle Wildfires
In addition to the above, it’s important to know skilled wildfire attorneys who you can turn to in times of crisis. Wildfire attorneys can help in two very important ways:
- Represent you when your homeowner’s insurance company is devaluing or denying your wildfire claim.
- Help you file a lawsuit against the party responsible for the wildfire.
By hiring a wildfire attorney early in the process, they may be able to collect information that will be helpful in recovering significant verdicts against negligent companies or parties responsible for the fire. If you live in an area susceptible to wildfires, download our list of contents spreadsheet.
Wildfire Litigation Experience
The Carlson Law Firm has represented wildfire victims in litigation, including the Bastrop Fire Cases. Attorney Bill Rossick has helped families recover multimillion-dollar verdicts after devastating wildfire losses.
Wildfire Preparedness FAQ
How can I prepare my home for wildfire season?
Preparing your home before wildfire season begins may reduce the risk of damage. Consider creating defensible space around your home, removing dead vegetation, using fire-resistant landscaping and reviewing your evacuation plan.
What should I include in a wildfire emergency kit?
A wildfire emergency kit should contain enough supplies to support your household for at least several days. Consider including:
- Water
- Nonperishable food
- Prescription medications
- First aid supplies
- Flashlights and batteries
- Important documents
- Pet supplies
- Phone chargers
- N95 masks
- Extra clothing
Keeping your emergency kit packed before wildfire season begins may help you evacuate more quickly if conditions change.
When should I evacuate during a wildfire?
Always follow evacuation orders issued by local emergency officials. Wildfires can spread rapidly, and delaying evacuation may place you and your family at greater risk. If authorities recommend leaving your area, evacuate immediately using your planned evacuation route.
What should I do after a wildfire damages my property?
After it is safe to return, document the damage by taking photographs and videos before beginning cleanup. Contact your insurance company promptly, save receipts for temporary living expenses and preserve any records related to your losses. Keeping detailed documentation may help support insurance claims and any potential legal claims.
Can I recover compensation if someone else's negligence caused a wildfire?
In some situations, yes. If a wildfire resulted from another party's negligence, such as defective equipment or down power lines, you may have legal options in addition to your insurance claim.
Understanding Your Legal Options After a Wildfire
Preparing for a wildfire can help protect your home and family, but even the best preparation cannot prevent every loss. When a wildfire causes significant property damage, injuries or financial hardship, understanding your legal rights may become an important part of the recovery process.
If you have questions about legal help for wildfire victims or would like to better understand your legal options after a wildfire, contact The Carlson Law Firm to discuss your situation.
