Being prepared helps you avoid problems in the first place and, if you do find yourself in a tight spot, helps you stay calm because you have a plan for what to do in the situation. You’ll find some good info here about what to do if you are trapped and a wildfire is approaching fast. (And they are fast. In 2018, the Camp Fire in the Paradise area devoured the length of a football field every second. At that rate, it would have decimated the entire town of Placerville in approximately 8 seconds.)

Wildfires are unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans can go amiss. If you find yourself trapped by a wildfire, you can take steps to increase your chances of survival. The roar of a wildfire can be extremely loud, and the house will get very hot and smoky as the fire front passes, so you must be emotionally prepared to deal with the horrific sound and strong natural urge to flee.