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Wildfires are the rapid spreading of fire across forest and/or brush that can cause millions of dollars in damage. Drought conditions increase the risk of wildfires. Check the U.S. Forest Service for a map of current wildland fire emergencies and prescribed fires.

Wildfire is a naturally occurring phenomenon — a way to dispose of dead brush, branches, and logs, and for fire-dependent species to reproduce. However, wildfire is also caused by human behavior; in these situations, homes are often lost or damaged.

Frequency and Causes

In Western states and Florida, up to half of all wildfires are caused by lightning; in the Great Lakes States, only around 5 percent. Other causes include carelessness in burning debris, ATV exhaust, equipment fires, campfires, fireworks, downed power lines, arson, and smoking. Slope, hills, valleys, canyons, and mountains have an important effect on wildfire — wildfire intensifies as it climbs a slope due to "pre-heating" of the fuels immediately up-slope.

Protecting Homes — Firewise Communities

The Firewise Communities Project, led by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), helps homeowners understand wildfire behavior and take steps to mitigate against wildfire threat, including creating defensible space around the home. The Wildfire Home Retrofit Guide offers specific recommendations for retrofitting existing homes to withstand wildfire (University of Nevada, Reno, Extension).

Protecting Your Health — Smoke and Air Quality

If it looks smoky outside, it's probably not a good time for outdoor activity. Visit AirNow.gov to find the Air Quality Index in your area and track wildfires at the Fire and Smoke Map.

If advised to stay indoors, keep indoor air as clean as possible:

• Avoid using wood fireplaces, gas logs, gas stoves, or candles
• Don't vacuum — that stirs up particles already inside
• Don't smoke
• Run your air conditioner with the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean
• If you have heart or lung disease, are an older adult, or have children, talk with your doctor about whether to leave the area

Community Wildfire Protection Planning

Communities can protect against wildfire by developing a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) involving local, state, and federal agencies. Once developed and approved, it serves as a guide for local officials to reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Resources for Extension Educators

• FireWise.org — The national Firewise USA® recognition program
• Wildfires on Ready.gov — U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Living with Fire — Science-based education and outreach, managed by University of Nevada Reno Extension
• AirNow.gov Educational Resources — Youth curriculum, Air Quality maps, and wildfire tracker