Travellers heading to wildfire-prone locations are advised to stay updated with local news, official alerts and advice from authorities. This way, they remain informed of any developing threats or evacuation orders.
Evacuation advisories are often issued with a few hours’ warning before a wildfire reaches populated areas, but conditions can change fast, and fires can escalate well beyond that window. This is why people in at-risk areas are strongly encouraged to evacuate as soon as a voluntary order is issued, rather than waiting for it to become mandatory.
If a fire has already cut off safe routes out by the time a warning arrives, authorities may instead advise sheltering in place, since attempting to evacuate at that point can be more dangerous than staying put. Visitors should follow designated evacuation routes closely and are encouraged to leave early rather than wait, particularly if they belong to a vulnerable group.
Signing up for government emergency alerts and using real-time wildfire information apps can prove invaluable in such situations. Most alerts will use a colour system and/or a ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ scale to measure the danger a wildfire is posing to life and property at a given moment.
Preparation can be critical during a wildfire event. Travellers should take time to understand local evacuation plans before they’re needed and pack an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, face masks and first-aid supplies. It’s also worth checking that accommodation in wildfire-prone areas has working smoke and heat detectors. Just as importantly, knowing how to recognise wildfire smoke and understand its behaviour can help travellers make faster, more informed decisions that could save lives.
