By Margaret Mullaney

The American Red Cross provides general information and specific guidelines for anyone confronted with a wildfire emergency that could prevent needless loss of life and property. Being Red Cross Ready means to be prepared with an action plan so you can protect your lives and properties from unnecessary harm in an emergency situation. The wildfires spread very quickly and everyone will benefit by knowing what to do before, during, after the fire starts and be better equipped for saving life and property.

What to do BEFORE a wildfire

• Be ready to evacuate quickly
• Plan to stay connected
• Learn emergency skills, like first aid and CPR
• Understand health impacts
• Gather emergency supplies in advance, including a go-kit, stay-at-home-kit
• Create defensible space by changing how you care for your land
• Get involved with community efforts

What to do DURING a wildfire

• Pay attention to your surroundings; keep track of weather and pay attention to evacuation orders. (Note: you might not get an official notice to evacuate; be ready to leave if you feel unsafe.)

What to do AFTER a wildfire

• Stay safe — wait until officials give the all-clear and avoid hazards like hot ash and downed power lines
• Clean up safely — protect your skin and wear a K95 respirator
• Take care of yourself — Remember to eat, sleep and ask for emotional support if you need it.

Wildfire facts

According to the U.S. Department of Interior, as many as 90 percent of wild-land fires in the United States are caused by people. Human-caused fires can result from campfires left unattended, the burning of debris, downed power lines, negligently discarded cigarettes and intentional acts of arson. The remaining 10 percent are started by lightning or lava.

There are a few types of wildfires, and the first and most common is a surface fire moving slowly and burning along the forest floor destroying vegetation. The second type is a ground fire usually started by a lightning strike that burns on or below the forest floor into the root system. The third type is a crown fire that spreads by wind and moves quickly along the tree tops.

In 2021, the U.S. sustained 58,948 wildfires, which burned 7,124,554 acres of land.

How the Red Cross helps

Families across the west are facing another active wildfire season as long-term drought and warmer temperatures are combining to raise the threat. Already this year the number of wildfires and acres burned are above the national 10-year average. Right now, thousands of New Mexico residents have been forced to leave their homes as the largest wildfire in the state’s history continues to burn out of control. The Red Cross is working with local response officials to provide safe shelter, warm meals, emotional support and critical relief supplies, including hygiene items, to those impacted by these historic wildfires.