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We Didn't Start the Fire: How To Stay Safe Around Wildfires

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Sep 11, 2022 • 4 min read

As wildfires rage across the western US, it’s critical to remain safe. Here are some tips for protecting yourself in the event of a wildfire and how to return home when it’s over.

As of July 12, there have been 52 wildfires in the US, destroying over 1.1 million acres of land in just 2022 alone, thought to be a result of the extreme heat brought on by climate change. Although frequent wet thunderstorms have provided some relief by returning moisture to the trees and brush, the lightning from wet thunderstorms and dry storms can be firestarters. If you’re one of the many living in areas affected by these fires, it can take a real toll on your health. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect yourself.

How Do Wildfires Affect Health?

Wildfire smoke compares to cigarettes without nicotine. The smoke can contain many dangerous substances, including gases like carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals, particles of ash and soot, heavy metals, or even plastics. These substances, if inhaled, can make you cough or feel short of breath, may travel into your bloodstream, and can even cause cancer in some cases.

Inhaling these substances is especially dangerous for people with weakened or compromised immune systems, such as the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses — especially lung diseases like COPD and asthma. Pregnant women should also be careful, as smoke inhalation can cause problems for the baby, such as low weight and premature birth. Children are also at risk, as they naturally breathe higher volumes of air for their size and are more likely to be playing outdoors, where they might inhale smoke from nearby fires.

There are psychological effects of wildfires, as well. Fires can destroy homes and property, even when the house does not burn. Smoke damage is difficult to remove, especially from porous surfaces like fabric, wood, and paper. These losses can be traumatic for both children and adults. The stress and anxiety of escaping a wildfire coupled with the physical side effects of smoke inhalation can be traumatic for the brain, leading to higher rates of PTSD, depression, and anxiety in those who have survived wildfire encounters.

How to Protect Yourself

There are many things you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones from the effects of wildfires:

Make an Escape Plan

If you live in an area where wildfires are prevalent, prepare to evacuate in advance. Make up a go bag for each family member with food, clothing, extra device chargers, and money, and store them where they are quickly and easily accessible. If you can, keep them in your car, so you can leave without worrying about grabbing them. If possible, store irreplaceable valuables in a fireproof safe. When a wildfire breaks out in or approaches your area, evacuate. Don’t return until the fire is deemed contained and air quality has returned to safe levels.

Take Precautions Outdoors

Even if a fire is not close enough to require evacuation, the wind can carry smoke, soot, and particulate matter to your doorstep. If there are fires nearby, take some precautions. Wear a good filtering mask when outside, like an N95. Avoid going out as much as possible. Tightly seal the doors, windows, and other outside portals to minimize the amount of smoke that can get into your home, which also helps prevent smoke damage to your home or possessions if you need to evacuate. Consider getting a powerful air purifier to clear up any particles that make it indoors. If your house is too large for one air purifier to keep the air clean, put one in each room, or designate one “clean” room where you can hide out on smoky days.

Wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors can also help keep you safe. Covering as much of your skin as possible keeps toxins and pollutants from being absorbed through the dermal layer. If you can’t cover up with clothing, some lotions, such as shea butter or petroleum jelly, can create a barrier between your skin and the particles, but this is not as effective as clothing.

Maintain Good Hygiene

Make sure you clean yourself thoroughly any time a smoke exposure occurs. Take a shower or bath if possible, or if that is not available, use a clean washcloth and soap to remove the soot and particulate matter from your skin. Try not to wear clothing exposed to smoke until thoroughly washed.

Practice Fire Safety

The last thing you want is to be the cause of a wildfire. When camping, hiking, or engaging in other outdoor activities, make sure you follow all local fire ordinances. Be aware of burn restrictions, and avoid lighting fires in dry or heavily-wooded areas. Use only vehicles and equipment designed for the outdoors. Never leave a grill or campfire unattended, and fully extinguish the flames, logs, coals, and embers when finished.

Climate change has triggered a rise in wildfires. If you live near a fire-prone area, there are some important things you can do to protect yourself.

The Aftermath

Experts recommend keeping a few extra N95 masks around while the air quality is still poor. When you return home, throw away all items that are not cleanable. Wear a mask and ventilate the home while vacuuming, dusting, or doing other cleaning tasks that might stir up particles. Thoroughly launder all clothing left behind, and wipe down surfaces with a wet cloth to collect the particles instead of stirring them up and returning them to the air. If you have an air purifier, run it as much as possible, and clean the filter often.

If you or your family are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health symptoms following the fire, seek help from a qualified mental health professional. Likewise, if you have any physical after-effects, especially breathing-related issues, contact your doctor.

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