Safety Tips: Wildfires

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), although wildfires have traditionally been considered a concern only in the western half of the United States, the risk of wildfires is continuing to escalate nationwide, posing a growing threat due to hotter temperatures, severe droughts, and a growing population living in areas where urban development borders wildlands.

Wildfires, including grass fires and brush fires, can ignite quickly and spread rapidly, posing a serious danger to lives, homes and the environment. Understanding these fires and taking preventive measures can help protect your family and property.

Types of Wildfires

  • Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in forests, grasslands, and brush. They vary in size and can last for weeks or months, influenced by wind speed, temperature, humidity, vegetation and terrain
  • Brush fires ignite in dense brush and can quickly escalate into larger wildfires. Even after visible flames are extinguished, smoldering embers can continue burning underground
  • Grass fires spread faster than other wildfires due to dry, easily ignitable grass. Though they burn intensely, they typically last only hours to a few days

Here are some tips on how you can help protect your home from wildfires:

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