Be Ready for Wildfire Season: Understanding Cal Fire’s Plan

Understanding Cal Fire’s Ready, Set, Go Plan

Wildfires are a harsh reality for many Californians, and they remind us how quickly life can change. Preparing for a wildfire may not eliminate the risk, but it can make all the difference in protecting your home, your family, and your peace of mind.

Cal Fire’s Ready, Set, Go plan lays out a simple and effective roadmap for wildfire preparedness. It’s more than just a checklist—it’s a proactive approach to staying safe in the face of disaster. Today, we’ll walk through each phase of this plan to help you understand how to protect what matters most.

“In each zone, the intensity of vegetation management increases as you get closer to your home. The goal is to start at your house and work outward, reaching up to 100 feet or your property line.” -Cal Fire

READY: Laying the Groundwork for Safety

Being “Ready” means preparing well before a wildfire is even a possibility. It’s about making your home more defensible and ensuring you have a solid plan in place to act quickly when needed.

Start by creating defensible space around your property. This involves clearing flammable vegetation and debris within 100 feet of your home. By doing so, you create a buffer that can slow the spread of fire and give firefighters a better chance to defend your property. Cal Fire offers specific guidelines for creating defensible space, which you can find here.

Next, consider hardening your home. Simple upgrades—like installing ember-resistant vents, replacing wood shake roofs with fire-resistant materials, and sealing gaps around windows and doors—can significantly reduce your home’s vulnerability to embers. For a detailed guide on home hardening, visit Cal Fire’s Wildfire Retrofit page.

Another essential step is preparing an emergency kit. This should include basics like water, non-perishable food, medications, and important documents. Don’t forget supplies for your pets—they’ll need food, carriers, and any medications they require.

Finally, create a wildfire action plan with your family. Map out evacuation routes, designate a meeting place, and practice your plan so everyone knows what to do. Cal Fire’s Ready for Wildfire guide provides templates and tips to help you get started.

SET: Staying Alert and Ready to Leave

Once a wildfire is near, the “Set” phase kicks in. This is the time to stay vigilant and make final preparations to leave at a moment’s notice.

Begin by staying informed. Sign up for local emergency alerts and download wildfire tracking apps like Cal Fire’s Ready for Wildfire app or Watch Duty. These tools provide real-time updates on fire conditions, evacuation orders, and road closures.

Make sure your emergency kit is packed and easily accessible. Review your evacuation plan with your family and identify multiple routes in case your primary path becomes blocked.

You should also take steps to protect your home as best you can before leaving. Close all windows, doors, and garage doors to prevent embers from entering. Turn off gas lines, move flammable furniture away from windows, and leave lights on inside and out to make your home visible to firefighters.

Being “Set” means you’re fully prepared to go when the time comes. To learn more about what this phase entails, visit Cal Fire’s Evacuation Prep page.

GO: Evacuate Early, Stay Safe

When evacuation orders are issued, it’s time to act. The “Go” phase is about leaving quickly and safely, with no hesitation.

Evacuate immediately along designated routes and avoid shortcuts, as wildfires can spread unpredictably and make roads unsafe. Bring your emergency kit and any essentials for your pets. Keep your phone charged and maintain communication with family members, letting them know where you are and where you’re headed.

If possible, document your home’s condition before you leave. Take photos or videos of each room and note any valuables you’re leaving behind. These records can help with insurance claims later.

For detailed guidance on evacuation procedures, visit Cal Fire’s Evacuation Guide.

Why Preparation Matters

Wildfires are unpredictable, but preparation gives you the best chance to protect your home and loved ones. Cal Fire’s Ready, Set, Go! plan isn’t just a framework—it’s a way to take control in a situation where so much can feel uncertain.

The time to prepare is now, before wildfire season peaks. Take the steps to create defensible space, harden your home, and establish a family action plan. Use the resources linked in this article to guide your preparations, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your insurance agent to review your coverage.

Wildfire preparedness isn’t just about your safety—it’s about protecting your community. By taking these steps, you’re helping firefighters do their job more effectively and reducing risks for everyone around you.

Together, we can face wildfire season with resilience and confidence. Start today, and make sure you’re ready for anything.