Idaho Braces for Above-Normal Wildfire Season: How to Stay Safe

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The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) predicts Idaho and neighboring states will see above normal wildland fires potential now through the end of September. While wildfire season has become a year-round event in areas, the chances of significant wildfires are greater than usual around the state and region during these next few months.

Wildfires can threaten people, homes, and natural resources. It is crucial for everyone to prepare and know what to do, especially during this heightened wildland fire potential period, in case a wildfire strikes their community. The Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM) encourages Idahoans to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones.

Prepare for Wildfires

  • Make a Plan: Make sure your household knows evacuation procedures. Be sure to create and review evacuation plans for offices and schools, and practice evacuation drills regularly.
  • Know Your Evacuation Zone: Identify multiple evacuation routes and conduct evacuation drills with household members.
  • Strengthen Your Home: Utilize fire-resistant materials, identify outdoor water sources with hoses, establish a 30-foot fire-resistant zone around homes, and designate sealed rooms for smoky conditions.
  • Gather Supplies: Stock up on essentials in a go bag, including a first aid kit, non-perishable food, water, phone charger, pet supplies, medication and N95 masks for smoke protection. Keep the go bag in a place that’s easy to remember and access in case you need to evacuate your home quickly.
  • Review Important Documents: Keep insurance policies and identification documents up to date and maintain digital copies in secure locations.

How to Stay Safe During a Wildfire

  • Stay Informed: Pay attention to emergency alerts and notifications for information and instructions.
  • Be Ready to Go: Evacuate immediately and safely when authorities tell you to do so.
  • If Trapped: Call 9-1-1 and give your location but be aware that the emergency response could be delayed or impossible. Turn on lights to help rescuers find you.
  • Smoke Preparedness: Use an N95 mask to protect yourself from smoke inhalation or limit your exposure. Learn more about staying safe in smokey conditions.

Staying Safe After a Wildfire

  • Wait for Clearance: Do not return home until authorities say it is safe to do so.
  • Drive Safely: Watch out for broken traffic lights, missing street signs, and trash or debris on the road.
  • Protect Yourself: Stay away from hot ash, charred trees, smoldering debris, and live embers. The ground may contain heat pockets that can burn you or spark another fire.
  • Protective Clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, work gloves, and sturdy thick-soled shoes, during clean-up efforts.
  • Monitor Air Quality: Check your local air quality at airnow.gov or on your phone’s weather app. Use a respirator to limit your exposure, and wet debris to minimize breathing dust particles. People with asthma, COPD, and other lung conditions should take precautions in areas with poor air quality, as it can worsen symptoms.
    • Take steps to reduce your exposure to smoke. Smoke can stay in the air for days after a wildfire ends.
  • Document Damage: Document property damage with photographs. Conduct an inventory and contact your insurance company for assistance.
  • Communication: Send text messages or use social media to reach out to family and friends. Phone systems are often busy following a disaster. Make calls only in emergencies.

By staying informed, prepared, and resilient, people can significantly reduce the risks associated with wildfires to reduce the risks associated with wildfires and protect themselves and their loved ones.

For more information on preparing for a wildfire event, visit the following resources: