Where should property owners ideally remain during a wildfire event?

Property owners should ideally remain onsite during a wildfire event to protect their property and to respond to changing conditions. Being present allows owners to make real-time decisions regarding evacuation, safeguard important belongings, and attend to the needs of pets or livestock. Additionally, remaining onsite provides an opportunity to implement emergency preparedness plans, such as creating defensible space around the home and using firefighting tools if the situation allows.

While being offsite or at a shelter may seem safer, these options often distance property owners from their homes and can hinder their ability to monitor and respond to their surroundings. Furthermore, in many instances, relying solely on others—such as emergency responders—may not align with the specific needs or resources of individual properties. Thus, staying onsite, while potentially risky, aligns with strategies for active engagement in fire defense and personal safety.