Wildfire Evacuation Bag: The Complete Supply List
Wildfires in the United States have intensified dramatically over the past two decades. The 2025 wildfire season burned over 7 million acres, and communities that once considered themselves safe are now in the crosshairs as the wildland-urban interface (WUI) expands. California, Colorado, Oregon, Washington, and Montana see the highest activity, but wildfire risk is increasing across much of the western and southern U.S. The Camp Fire in 2018 destroyed the entire town of Paradise, California in less than four hours, killing 85 people — most of whom did not leave early enough.
Wildfire preparedness is fundamentally about two things: being ready to leave fast and being able to breathe safely. Unlike other disasters, wildfires demand evacuation. There is no sheltering in place. This guide covers what you need in your bag, how to protect your home from embers, and what to do when the sky turns orange.
Before a Wildfire: Preparation Checklist
Create Defensible Space
If you live in or near a wildfire-prone area, defensible space is your home's first line of defense:
- Zone 1 (0-5 feet from home): Use hardscape — gravel, concrete, stone. No combustible plants, mulch, or storage items touching your home's exterior.
- Zone 2 (5-30 feet): Space trees so their crowns are at least 10 feet apart. Remove dead vegetation, keep grass mowed below 4 inches, and prune tree branches up to 6-10 feet off the ground.
- Zone 3 (30-100 feet): Thin trees and brush to reduce fuel density. Remove dead wood and debris. Create fuel breaks along driveways and access roads.
- Install ember-resistant vent covers on all attic, soffit, and foundation vents. Ember intrusion through vents is one of the primary ways homes ignite during wildfires.
- Clean your gutters of dead leaves and needles regularly.
Build Your Wildfire Evacuation Bag
This bag should be pre-packed, grabbed in 60 seconds, and sufficient to sustain you for 72 hours away from home.
Essentials ($50–$100):
- N95/P100 respirators (10 per person — wildfire smoke is toxic and they need replacing)
- Fireproof document bag for insurance papers, IDs, and irreplaceable documents
- Car-charger power bank to keep your phone alive during evacuation
- Three-day water supply and high-calorie food bars
- First aid kit and a week of prescription medications
- Change of clothes including long sleeves and closed-toe shoes
Solid Prep ($100–$300):
- HEPA air purifier (smoke-rated, high CADR — for your home during smoke events)
- Ember-resistant vent covers for your home's exterior
- 72-hour go-bag (pre-assembled backpack with basics)
- Cash in small bills ($200-$500) in a waterproof pouch
- USB drive with digital copies of family photos and documents
Fully Prepared ($300–$1,000+):
- Solar generator with panels for extended power independence
- Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach) for when cell towers are down or destroyed
- Comprehensive evacuation system: roof-rack cargo box with all supplies pre-loaded
- Portable air quality monitor
Plan Your Evacuation Route
- Identify at least two evacuation routes from your home. Wildfires can block roads with little warning.
- Know which roads are most likely to be congested and have alternatives planned.
- Decide in advance where you will go: a friend or relative's home, a hotel, or a Red Cross shelter.
- If you have large animals or livestock, arrange transport ahead of time. Do not delay evacuation because of animals.
- Practice the evacuation with your family at least once per year.
During a Wildfire: Evacuation and Safety
When evacuation is ordered:
- Leave immediately. Do not wait to see how close the fire gets. The Camp Fire moved at 80 football fields per minute.
- Grab your go-bag, documents bag, medications, and car keys. You should be out the door in under five minutes.
- Close all windows and doors (do not lock) to slow ember entry. Turn off gas at the meter if you have time.
- Leave interior lights on so firefighters can see your home in heavy smoke.
- Drive with headlights on and windows up. Use recirculated air in your car.
During smoke events (no evacuation):
- Stay indoors with windows and doors closed. Run your HEPA air purifier.
- Check AirNow.gov for real-time AQI readings in your area.
- Wear an N95 respirator if you must go outside. Limit outdoor time and physical exertion.
- Do not run fans that pull outdoor air in. Avoid using fireplaces or gas stoves.
- Keep pets indoors. Animals are also vulnerable to smoke inhalation.
If trapped by fire:
- Call 911 immediately. Give your exact location.
- If in a car, park in a cleared area, close windows, cover yourself with a wool blanket, and get below the dashboard.
- If in a building, stay inside. Close all doors and move to a room opposite the fire. Fill sinks and tubs with water. Keep low to avoid smoke.
After a Wildfire: Recovery Steps
- Do not return until officials give clearance. Hotspots, unstable trees, and toxic ash make burned areas dangerous for days after flames pass.
- Wear an N95 during all cleanup. Wildfire ash contains heavy metals, asbestos (from burned buildings), and other toxic substances. Wet the ash before sweeping to reduce airborne particles.
- Document all damage with photos and video before touching anything. This is essential for insurance claims.
- Do not turn on HVAC systems until you replace all filters. Smoke and ash can be recirculated through ductwork.
- Test well water before drinking. Heat from wildfires can compromise well casings and contaminate groundwater.
- Dispose of fire-damaged food including anything in plastic containers, which absorb toxic chemicals from smoke.
- Contact your insurance company immediately. Document living expenses if you are displaced — most homeowner policies include additional living expense coverage.
- Watch for mental health impacts. Wildfire survivors frequently experience anxiety, grief, and PTSD, especially after losing a home. The SAMHSA helpline (1-800-985-5990) is available 24/7.
Official resources:
- National Interagency Fire Center
- AirNow — Real-time Air Quality
- CAL FIRE Ready for Wildfire
- FEMA Wildfire Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I pack in a wildfire evacuation bag?
A wildfire evacuation bag should include N95 or P100 respirators for smoke protection, a fireproof document bag for irreplaceable papers, a car-charger power bank, three days of water and food, a first aid kit, medications, a change of clothes, cash, phone chargers, and copies of insurance documents. Keep it pre-packed and near your front door or in your car trunk.
What type of mask protects against wildfire smoke?
N95 and P100 respirators are the only masks that effectively filter wildfire smoke particles. Cloth masks, surgical masks, and bandanas do not filter the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in wildfire smoke. Ensure the respirator fits tightly against your face with no gaps. Stock at least 10 per household member since they should be replaced after 8 hours of use in heavy smoke.
How do I protect my home from wildfire embers?
Create defensible space by clearing vegetation at least 30 feet from your home (100 feet in high-risk areas). Install ember-resistant vent covers on all attic, soffit, and foundation vents. Clean your roof and gutters of dead leaves. Replace wood shake shingles with Class A fire-rated roofing. Screen under decks and porches to prevent ember accumulation.
When should I evacuate for a wildfire?
Evacuate immediately when ordered by authorities. If you receive a voluntary evacuation warning, leave early rather than waiting for it to become mandatory. Wildfires can change direction and speed with wind shifts, and roads can become impassable within minutes. If you can see flames or heavy smoke from your home, leave immediately regardless of official orders.
Do HEPA air purifiers help with wildfire smoke indoors?
Yes. A HEPA air purifier rated for wildfire smoke can significantly reduce indoor PM2.5 levels. Look for units with a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR) — at least 200 CFM for a bedroom or 400+ CFM for a living room. Run it on the highest setting when outdoor air quality is poor and keep all windows and doors closed.
What documents should I put in a fireproof bag?
Store originals or copies of birth certificates, passports, Social Security cards, insurance policies (home, auto, health, life), property deeds or mortgage documents, vehicle titles, wills, medical records, and a list of bank account and credit card numbers. Also include a USB drive with digital copies of family photos and other irreplaceable files.
How do I check air quality during a wildfire?
Use the AirNow.gov website or app, which shows real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) readings. AQI above 100 is unhealthy for sensitive groups; above 150 is unhealthy for everyone; above 200 is very unhealthy; above 300 is hazardous. When AQI exceeds 150, stay indoors, run your HEPA purifier, wear an N95 if you must go outside, and limit physical exertion.
What should I do after returning home from a wildfire evacuation?
Wait for official clearance before returning. Wear an N95 respirator during cleanup as ash is toxic. Check the exterior for hotspots, smoldering debris, and structural damage. Do not turn on HVAC systems until you have replaced the filters. Document all damage with photos for insurance. Test your water before drinking if you have a well. Dispose of food that may have been exposed to heat, smoke, or soot.
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