Palisades Fire: Santa Ana Winds 2025

The Santa Ana's and high wind events create dangerous conditions for wildfires. As seen with the recent Palisades and Eaton fires, these events can escalate rapidly. If you are in an area threatened by wildfire, preparing your home for evacuation is crucial. If you have time, in a safe area with a reasonable distance from the fire, and are not under immediate evacuation orders, follow these steps:

10 Pre-Evacuation Steps:

1. Move Flammable Materials: Relocate anything that can easily burn away from your home, including:

   • Patio furniture (cushions, umbrellas)

   • Firewood piles

   • Propane tanks (BBQ, heaters)

   • Trash cans

   • Yard debris (dry leaves, branches)

   • Anything stored under decks or in crawl spaces.

2. Clear Decks and Gutters: Remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from decks, gutters, and roof valleys. These are prime ignition points for embers.

3. Close All Windows and Doors: Shut all windows and exterior doors securely. This helps prevent embers from entering your home.

4. Cover or Close Vents: Cover exterior vents (attic, foundation) with metal mesh screens (1/8-inch mesh) or close them if possible. This further reduces the chance of ember entry.

5. Turn Off Utilities (If Safe To Do So): If time permits and it is safe, turn off gas and propane supplies at the source. Turn off non-essential electrical circuits at the breaker box. Only do this if it is safe and you have time. Never put yourself at risk.

6. Connect Garden Hoses and Place Sprinklers: Connect garden hoses and position sprinklers to wet down the roof and surrounding vegetation if water pressure is available and it is safe to do so. Do not leave sprinklers running unattended if you evacuate.

7. Place Valuables in a Central Location: Gather important documents, medications, valuables, and sentimental items in a designated area for quick retrieval and transport upon evacuation.

8. Park Vehicles Facing Outward: Park your vehicles in the driveway facing outward for a quick escape. Keep car keys readily available.

9. Leave Lights On: Leave interior and exterior lights on to increase visibility for firefighters.

10. Notify Someone: Inform a neighbor, friend, or family member of your evacuation plans and destination. At a minimum ensure your home address is clearly visible, with the number of structures, water sources (such as a pool, pond or body of water) and vital information such as your evacuation status for firefighters is at the entrance of your property.

Trigger Point for Evacuation:

• Official Evacuation Order: This is the primary trigger. Obey all evacuation orders immediately.

• Visible Smoke or Flames Near Your Property: If you see smoke or flames within a reasonable distance, plan to evacuate immediately, even if no official order has been issued.

• Heavy Ember Fall: If you experience significant ember fall on your property, it's a strong indication of imminent danger.

• Increased Wind Speed and Erratic Fire Behavior: If wind conditions worsen significantly or the fire’s behavior becomes erratic, evacuate immediately.

Important Considerations:

• Overestimate Time and Leeway: During high wind events, conditions can change rapidly. Always overestimate the time you need to evacuate and leave well in advance of any perceived danger.

• Professional Defensible Space Evaluation: Before any incident, contact the International Fire Foundation to schedule a professional defensible space evaluation of your property. This proactive measure can significantly reduce your fire risk.

Post-Incident Support:

Once the fire is contained and it is safe to return, IFF Emergency Response Teams can:

• Conduct a safety walk-through of your property.

• Provide education and recovery information.

• Connect you with necessary resources.

Financial Preparedness:

Ensure you have adequate fire insurance coverage and consider setting up a family emergency relief fund through an IFF membership. This investment in recovery can provide crucial financial support when you need it most.

Remember: With IFF, you are never alone.

Evacuation During High Wind Events:

A Guide from the International Fire Foundation