Wildfires Informer 2026

Everything you need to know to stay safe and informed in case of a wildfire while travelling.

Wildfires, which are uncontrolled fires burning in natural areas such as forests, grasslands and brushlands, are increasingly becoming a regular phenomenon in many parts of the world. Although wildfires are a natural process for some ecosystems, these fires have become increasingly devastating in frequency and intensity. The effects of climate change and human activity have contributed to their growing impact, making them more widespread, disruptive and deadly.

As wildfires become more prevalent across all regions from Asia to the Americas, they frequently spill over from wilderness to population centers and pose grave risks to travel, safety and health. As they are no longer rare or isolated incidents, they can paralyze global travel networks and compromise public health.

For travelers, the impact is often wide-ranging. Those traveling and conducting business in wildfire-prone regions are at risk of experiencing delays due to grounded flights, highway and road closures, and reduced visibility. Travelers may also face personal safety concerns such as unforeseen evacuations, structural damage or destruction, loss of personal belongings, and even getting stranded. These hazards can also expose people to a host of health problems, including respiratory issues from thick smoke, sickness due to intense heat and possible burn injuries.

Rapid climate change and human activity are making wildfires increasingly unpredictable and destructive. Increasing spring and summer temperatures are contributing to longer fire seasons, more frequent lightning and severe droughts, all of which are driving a rise in wildfires. Additionally, human activities like unattended campfires, fireworks, sparking powerlines and encroachment on forested lands are responsible for the vast majority of them.

This year’s wildfire season is predicted to be further exacerbated by a potential “Super El Niño” event through the second half of the year, with regions such as the Amazon rainforest, North America (particularly the northwestern US and Canada) and Australia particularly vulnerable. According to research by World Weather Attribution, global wildfire burn areas in the first half of 2026 are already more than 50% above recent averages and almost double the same period in 2024.

Amid such a swiftly deteriorating situation, it is imperative that travelers undertake appropriate measures to safeguard themselves against these fires. Wildfires are no longer just a localized environmental issue; they have the potential to trigger immediate and complex threats to global mobility, public health and community safety. Factors such as careful planning, contingency strategies, and a sound understanding of destination-specific risks can greatly enhance traveler safety and security.

Travel

Global wildfire burn areas in the first half of 2026 are already more than 50% above recent averages and almost double those recorded during the same period in 2024.

Wildfires are becoming increasingly frequent and severe across the globe, driven in part by climate patterns such as El Niño, which is expected to persist through 2026. In the Americas, large areas from Canada to Argentina are at risk, with the United States and Canada already experiencing rising numbers of fires, widespread evacuations and significant land damage. Latin America also faces seasonal wildfire threats, particularly during dry periods, with countries like Chile and regions such as the Pampas especially vulnerable due to dry vegetation and open landscapes that allow fires to spread rapidly.

In the Asia-Pacific region, wildfires are less widespread but still significant in countries like Australia, Indonesia and India. Australia experiences tens of thousands of bushfires annually, often disrupting travel and causing health risks due to smoke. Indonesia’s fires are frequently linked to human activities such as land clearing, while India has seen a sharp increase in forest fires over recent decades due to rising temperatures, agricultural practices and changing weather patterns. These fires often lead to poor air quality and regional haze, affecting both local populations and neighboring countries.

Europe, the Middle East and Africa have also seen increasingly destructive wildfire seasons. Europe experienced one of its worst years on record in 2025, with major fires causing evacuations, infrastructure damage and travel disruption across countries like Portugal, Spain and Greece. The Middle East faces more occasional but still dangerous fires, while Africa accounts for the majority of global wildfire exposure, particularly in rural areas where response infrastructure is limited. In places like South Africa and Namibia, wildfires can spread rapidly and threaten both natural reserves and urban areas.

Wildfires have significant impacts on travel, infrastructure and public health, often causing transport disruptions, evacuations and poor air quality. Travelers are advised to stay informed through official sources, purchase comprehensive travel insurance and remain flexible with their plans. Safety measures such as monitoring air quality, preparing emergency kits and following evacuation orders are essential. As wildfire risks increase, travel trends are also shifting, with more people choosing cooler destinations to avoid extreme heat and fire-prone regions.

EMEA

Several countries across Europe and the Middle East experienced extremely volatile wildfires in 2025, leading to widespread travel disruptions and casualties. Though most high-profile incidents are confined to Europe and the Middle East, wildfire exposure remains particularly significant across Africa.

Europe

Europe suffered one of its most devastating wildfire seasons on record in 2025, with particularly destructive fires erupting in Greece, Türkiye and the Iberian Peninsula. Although European wildfires are predominantly confined to summer months, over 100,000 hectares had already been destroyed across the European Union by March, according to EU monitoring data. From April, the continent was impacted by a series of record-breaking heatwaves that fueled multiple incidents, especially in areas struggling with worsening drought conditions.

In July and August, multiple large wildfires struck the Iberian Peninsula, particularly in northwestern regions. In Portugal, fires in Viana do Castelo, Aveiro and Porto districts left at least 19 people injured and several villages evacuated. In Coimbra district, the Arganil wildfire became the largest recorded in the country’s history, threatening thousands of people and disrupting travel across more than 2,000 kilometers (1,242 miles) of road networks.

In Spain, wildfires affected several parts of the country, most notably in Extremadura, Castilla y León and Galicia. Several high-speed rail services connecting to Madrid were suspended, tens of thousands were evacuated and popular tourist trails were closed. In total, over 350,000 hectares (864,868 acres) were consumed by fires in Spain in 2025, with a substantial portion confined to the northwestern provinces of Ourense, León and Zamora.

Further intense wildfires were recorded across the Mediterranean throughout 2025, including around popular tourist destinations such as Türkiye’s Izmir, Greece’s Crete and the south coast of France. The reemergence of record-breaking heatwaves in recent months indicates that travelers should begin to anticipate elevated risks as the 2026 wildfire season begins.

The Middle East

Though less common than in Europe, wildfires still pose a significant risk to parts of the Middle East, including the fertile areas of Iraq and countries in the Levant. In April 2025, dozens of wildfires fueled by strong winds erupted across Israel’s Jerusalem Hills and nearby areas in the West Bank. Israeli officials declared a national emergency as major highways were closed and rail traffic was suspended in and out of Jerusalem. Dozens were injured and thousands more evacuated in the Jerusalem and Center districts and the West Bank’s Ramallah governorate. In July and August, residents were also evacuated across Syria’s Latakia and western Hama governorates as fast-moving wildfires engulfed the region. As the flames tracked northwards, officials ordered the closure of the Kassab border crossing between Syria’s Latakia governorate and Türkiye’s Hatay province.

Africa

United Nations estimates in 2025 indicated that of the 440 million people exposed to wildfires worldwide, 85% were situated within Africa. Although the continent rarely experiences high-profile incidents, large swathes of Africa are vulnerable to destructive fires that may often be exacerbated by poor emergency response infrastructure. This is particularly the case across rural areas where monitoring efforts are weaker. Rural wildfires risk gaining momentum and overwhelming firefighting capabilities, as was the case in Namibia’s Etosha National Park in September 2025 when hundreds of members of the armed forces were deployed to assist with containment efforts after wildfires engulfed over one-third of the park.

In South Africa, vast stretches of veld are highly susceptible to wildfires during periods of extreme heat and low rainfall. Weather officials often issue alerts urging residents to refrain from lighting fires during these periods. Wildfires also pose a risk to major urban centers, such as Cape Town, where the nature reserves straddling the western portions of the city frequently ignite during the summer months, threatening nearby residential areas and often prompting sudden road closures, evacuation orders and travel disruptions.

AMER

Wildfires in the Americas have become increasingly widespread and destructive in recent years. This trend will likely continue this year. Studies indicate an 80% likelihood of an El Niño event through at least August 2026, with a roughly 90% probability it will continue into November. Much of the region is susceptible to disruptive fires, from the Great Plains of central Canada and the United States down to the Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay.

North America

North America’s wildfire season typically runs from April to October, though it may extend beyond these months. Within the United States, timing varies widely by region: the Great Plains face their highest risk in late winter, the Upper Midwest and Southeast are most affected in spring, and California and the Mountain West see the greatest impact between summer and fall.

The U.S. recorded 77,850 wildfires nationwide in 2025, up from 67,897 in 2024. The largest of these, the Dragon Bravo Fire in Arizona, burned 58,883 hectares (145,504 acres) along the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. As of July 2026, 36,262 fires have burned 1,282,087 hectares (3,168,102 acres) across the country.

Two fires stand out this year. In February, the Ranger Road Fire scorched approximately 114,643 hectares (283,283 acres), an area nearly double the size of Chicago. A state of emergency was issued in Oklahoma in response to it. In June, the Cottonwood Fire forced evacuations near Beaver County, Utah, destroying more than 100 condos, 30 cabins and ski infrastructure at Eagle Point Resort.

Canada, meanwhile, is enduring its third consecutive exceptionally active wildfire year. In 2025, fires burned across the country through August and September, with the largest concentrated in British Columbia, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon.

This year has brought no relief: as of June 10, Canada had recorded 1,747 wildfires, including 95 active ones, burning a combined 166,400 hectares (411,183 acres). Since May, major fires in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta have triggered widespread evacuations and disrupted daily life.

Latin America

Latin America’s dry season, typically from December to April, brings its own fire risk, fuelled by a steadily growing supply of combustible vegetation. So far in 2026, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras have all reported significant wildfire activity. A potential “Super El Niño” could intensify fire activity across the region through 2026 and 2027.

Farther south, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay and parts of Paraguay and southern Brazil are especially fire-prone, with Chile the worst affected in recent years. Chile’s forests face the greatest risk between October and March; Argentina’s and Uruguay’s summers run December–February and December–March, respectively.

In January, a wildfire in Chile’s Biobío region led LATAM, SKY Airline and JetSMART to offer free rebooking and refunds to travelers who chose not to fly during the emergency’s most critical days, even though flight operations continued as normal. There were also curfews imposed in parts of the region.

Beyond Chile’s forests, the Pampas grasslands, spanning all of Uruguay and home to more than 60% of Argentina’s population, face severe wildfire risk of their own. The region’s vast, open lowlands offer few natural barriers to slow a fire’s spread, allowing blazes to advance largely unimpeded.

APAC

Unlike the EMEA and the Americas, fewer countries in the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region experience regular wildfires. The worst-affected countries include Australia, Indonesia and India.

In contrast to the 2025 La Niña, this year’s El Niño is expected to produce a longer, stronger dry season, exacerbating wildfire conditions and intensifying severe transboundary haze events affecting Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei. Massive wildfires in Australia and Indonesia often cause widespread haze and poor air quality, affecting not only local areas but also neighboring countries.

Australia

Australia is frequently hit with bushfires, which are wildfires that burn in grasslands, scrublands or forests, with around 46,000-62,000 occurring annually. Bushfires kill dozens of Australians per year, while their smoke causes health complications that result in the deaths of nearly 500 people annually.

Bushfires in the country have also caused significant disruptions to overland and air travel, often leading to multiple road and airport closures. Travelers can also expect pre-emptive evacuations, sometimes on very short notice, within hours of a bushfire erupting. Power outages are a common occurrence during the bushfire season. Ahead of the peak, residents in bushfire-prone areas are sometimes warned by local governments to relocate to larger towns, shopping centres and shelters that are capable of withstanding fires.

While bushfires can occur all year round, each Australian state has a different bushfire season. In the southernmost parts of the country, such as the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, the threat of bushfire peaks from late spring until mid-autumn (mid-November to mid-April).

In the northern and eastern parts, the season can sometimes occur earlier than October, with parts of Queensland’s Far North experiencing peak fire danger from July to October. The Top End in the Northern Territory (NT) experiences bushfires from April to November, while the Central Australia region of NT, which includes Alice Springs, may experience this from October to March.

Indonesia

Indonesia experiences regular wildfires every year, which are often massive in size and primarily occur during the dry season between April and October. In 2025, wildfires burnt around 395,000 hectares (976,066 acres) of forests and fields, with the worst-affected provinces being East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, North Sumatra, Maluku, Riau, South Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, East Java and Aceh.

Travelers should exercise caution when visiting forest areas in these provinces. While extreme heat during the dry season and lightning strikes can trigger wildfires naturally, many of Indonesia’s wildfires are caused by human activities, most notably poor waste management or the intentional clearing of land for palm oil plantations.

Meteorologists track ‘hotspots’, areas of elevated temperatures that serve as the primary indicator of potential wildfires. In conjunction with the La Niña event in 2025, there were fewer of these ‘hotspot’ areas than in 2024, which likely contributed to a reduction in both wildfire frequency and severity.

India

In the Indian subcontinent, forest fires are expected to increase significantly in the coming years due to rising temperatures. The frequency of forest fires in India has increased by 52% in the last two decades. The wildfire season in India generally occurs between November and June. Farmers usually engage in slash-and-burn activities in November, sometimes illegally. These activities have exacerbated bushfires in recent years.

The forests of northeast India are largely covered by dry deciduous trees that lose their leaves in autumn, making them more vulnerable to fire, while forests in southern India are less prone to fires as the vegetation is largely evergreen or semi-evergreen. However, the Forest Survey of India (FSI) data has recorded thousands of forest fires since the beginning of the year.

Central states, such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, have been the most affected, but fires have also been reported in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in the north. A combination of dry winter and early heat waves due to anomalies in the weather pattern and other weather events, such as El Niño, which is also associated with a potential reduction in rainfall during the monsoon season, has contributed to the increase in forest fires in these areas.

Tamil Nadu’s wet forests also experienced some of the worst fires in their history. Some 3,380 fires were reported during the dry months (February to May) of the last season, more than twice as many as two years earlier.

Travelers visiting wildfire-prone regions of India should monitor local fire warnings and evacuation orders, particularly during the peak fire season.

Stay informed

Wildfires can trigger the closures of major roads and highways, delays and suspensions of flights, as well as disruptions of rail, ferry and bus services. Moreover, communication and power outages, closures of tourist attractions and evacuations are likely during wildfires. Smoke and haze also worsen health conditions for travellers. Beyond travel disruptions, wildfires devastate ecosystems, destroy livelihoods and harm local economies, especially in terms of tourism.

Some popular coastal destinations are expected to lose long-term appeal as extreme heat and wildfires become more frequent. As a result, northern countries are becoming more attractive to travellers. This trend, called “coolcationing” (travelling to cooler destinations), is already gaining popularity.

Despite wildfire risks, there is still a high demand for travel to the most-affected areas worldwide. Staying informed ahead of wildfire seasons is crucial to prevent these events from ruining your travel plans.

There are several ways to remain updated; the best is to follow the latest information from reliable sources:

Government agencies, including the local Civil Protection, Fire Departments, National Disaster Authorities, Forestry Departments and the Ministry of Environment
Trusted meteorological and weather channels
International Space and Environment-focused agencies, such as copernicus.eu and GDACS
Trusted local news channels
Social media platforms like X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram have also become a place to find the latest information and instructions, as the rapidity with which information is shared may be of crucial help in emergencies, for example, to learn hyper-local insights about roadblocks and smoke conditions in real-time. However, updates are not always reliable and verified, and some actors might take advantage of rapidly evolving crises such as wildfires to spread misinformation and mislead officials’ instructions. It’s advisable to always verify updates via trusted sources

Real-time updates, such as Riskline’s Alerts, deliver continuous, verified information about the rapidly evolving impact of wildfires. They report only official, human-verified instructions, covering evacuations, shelter locations, mobility disruptions and other critical consequences

Travel Advice

Purchase travel insurance

Purchasing it before departure is always recommended, as several contingencies could impact your travel plans. When travelling to areas prone to wildfires, travelers should protect themselves with comprehensive travel insurance that covers cancellations and disruptions due to natural disasters, including wildfires.

While some policies offer full coverage of the trip, others provide a refund or compensation only for trip delay or interruption, while some instead provide credits or vouchers for future travel. However, the possibility of refunds or compensation may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the event and the policies of the travel providers involved. Some airlines, including United and American Airlines, have previously issued waivers allowing passengers whose trips were affected by wildfires to reschedule their flights at no additional cost.

During extremely severe wildfires in 2023, the governments of Italy and Greece offered refund/cancellation options to tourists without insurance coverage impacted by the wildfires on the islands of Sicily and Rhodes. However, these were exceptional circumstances. Travelers should not rely on this possibility and buy full-coverage travel insurance before departure.

Contact all travel providers involved in your trip

If you booked your tickets through a travel agency, reach out to them directly. Additionally, contact hotels, car rental companies and any other service providers associated with your bookings to get the latest updates on cancellations or changes due to the wildfire.

Stay indoors

If a wildfire is threatening the area where your accommodation is located, stay indoors and remain at a relatively safe distance from the blaze. Limit exposure to smoke by closing all windows and doors. Shut off the fresh air intake on air conditioners.

Monitor air quality

Wildfires cause poor air quality, which can be harmful, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, children and the elderly. Consider wearing a well-fitted respirator mask (such as an N95 or FFP2) if air quality is poor.

Keep your travel plans flexible

Be ready to adjust your itinerary if local authorities issue evacuation orders or safety advisories, or if your transport is affected. Wildfires often lead to road closures, flight delays and cancellations. Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, flashlights, batteries, masks, important documents, cash, clothing and hygiene items. If you’re travelling by car, make sure your tank is full and pack your emergency kit, valuables and documents in the vehicle before you set off.

If evacuation becomes necessary

If local authorities issue an evacuation order, leave the area immediately and follow the recommended evacuation routes. Select a direct route that leads away from fire hazards and avoid roads affected by fire or heavy smoke. Monitor official updates for changes in fire behavior and evacuation instructions. Wear protective clothing, including sturdy shoes, cotton or wool trousers, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a breathable face covering to reduce exposure to smoke and heat.

Expect potential disruptions to telecommunications

In emergencies like wildfires, communication networks can become overloaded. Damage to infrastructure from fires, combined with increased data traffic in evacuation areas, may cause mobile network outages, resulting in delays or interruptions in receiving critical information.

Health

Wildfires present serious health hazards that go beyond the immediate threat of fire. Exposure to intense heat can cause burns, ranging from minor redness to severe, life-threatening injuries.

Wildfires often coincide with heatwaves. This increases the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke, particularly affecting those with pre-existing heart, lung or kidney problems.

Smoke from wildfires is a major health concern, carrying fine particulate matter and harmful gases. These gases can travel great distances and linger in the air for days. Breathing in this polluted air can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, worsen respiratory illnesses such as asthma, and raise the risk of cardiovascular problems. Vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions, are especially at risk and should take precautions to reduce exposure.

The impact extends to mental health as well. The trauma and stress of such events can trigger anxiety, persistent worry, sleep difficulties and depression-like symptoms. It is vital to address these effects alongside physical injuries. People affected are encouraged to seek support from family, friends or healthcare professionals once they are safe.

Burns

Exposure to heat from wildfires can cause skin burns of varying severity, depending on the depth of tissue damage.

First-degree burns affect the outer skin and may cause redness and pain. Second-degree burns affect deeper layers of the skin and may cause swelling and blistering, with a higher risk of scarring.

Third-degree burns extend into the fat layer beneath the skin. Affected areas may appear black, brown or white, and the skin may look leathery. These burns can destroy nerves, causing numbness.

Minor burns can be treated by holding the affected area under cool running water for about 10 minutes. Blisters should not be popped. Remove rings or other tight items from the area before swelling occurs. After cooling the burn, apply a lotion to prevent dryness and provide relief. Loosely cover the area with a clean bandage to protect blistered skin. If needed, take a painkiller.

For major burns, seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for help:

Gently remove tight items, as swelling can occur quickly.
Loosely cover the burn with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
If possible, raise the burnt area above heart level.
Monitor for signs of shock, such as cool, clammy skin, weak pulse or shallow breathing. Seek assistance if necessary.

Smoke

Smoke inhalation causes more fire-related deaths than burns. This is the major health risk during wildfires, causing asphyxiation. Wildfire smoke, comprising gases and fine particulate matter (PM 2.5), can travel great distances and remain airborne for extended periods. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream, posing health risks even when wildfires are far away. Exposure may lead to symptoms such as burning eyes, runny nose, coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain, and increases the risk of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Exposure to wildfire smoke contributes to more than 100,000 deaths globally each year.

Certain vulnerable populations are at risk, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying heart or lung conditions. These groups should take extra precautions to minimise exposure during wildfire events.

Wearing a well-fitted N95, FFP2 or P100 respirator can help reduce exposure to fine particulate matter in wildfire smoke. Always check that the mask is designed to filter airborne particles and fits properly. If a dedicated mask is unavailable, a damp cloth can be used as a temporary measure, though it is not recommended for prolonged exposure to smoke or heat.

Mental Health

Like other traumatic events, experiencing a wildfire can lead to mental health symptoms, such as overwhelming anxiety, persistent worrying, difficulty sleeping and other depression-like symptoms. If experiencing an anxiety or panic attack near a wildfire, try to calm yourself by breathing slowly and focusing on responding appropriately to the situation, whether that involves finding shelter or moving to a safe area. Once out of danger, consider speaking with a family member, friend, counselor or healthcare professional if you have any mental health concerns.

Heat

During summer, wildfires and heatwaves often occur simultaneously. Heat-related illness ranges from dehydration and heat exhaustion (thirst, fatigue, muscle cramps and dizziness) to life-threatening heatstroke, and can worsen cardiovascular, respiratory and kidney disease. Hundreds of thousands of heat-related deaths are estimated to occur globally each year. Europe remains particularly affected, with more than 61,000 excess heat-related deaths recorded during the summer of 2022 alone.

People with asthma or heart disease are especially vulnerable. Risk can be reduced by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing and avoiding outdoor activity during peak heat hours.

Safety

We are experiencing more intense wildfires and longer fire seasons, with dry and windy conditions often increasing their speed and unpredictability. To protect communities and visitors, local authorities may issue pre-emptive emergency declarations, allowing them to deploy resources swiftly to at-risk areas.

Travelers heading to wildfire-prone locations are advised to stay updated with local news, official alerts and advice from authorities. This way, they remain informed of any developing threats or evacuation orders.

Evacuation advisories are often issued with a few hours’ warning before a wildfire reaches populated areas, but conditions can change fast, and fires can escalate well beyond that window. This is why people in at-risk areas are strongly encouraged to evacuate as soon as a voluntary order is issued, rather than waiting for it to become mandatory.

If a fire has already cut off safe routes out by the time a warning arrives, authorities may instead advise sheltering in place, since attempting to evacuate at that point can be more dangerous than staying put. Visitors should follow designated evacuation routes closely and are encouraged to leave early rather than wait, particularly if they belong to a vulnerable group.

Signing up for government emergency alerts and using real-time wildfire information apps can prove invaluable in such situations. Most alerts will use a color system and/or a ‘Ready, Set, Go!’ scale to measure the danger a wildfire is posing to life and property at a given moment.

Preparation can be critical during a wildfire event. Travelers should take time to understand local evacuation plans before they’re needed and pack an emergency kit with essentials such as water, non-perishable food, face masks and first-aid supplies. It’s also worth checking that accommodation in wildfire-prone areas has working smoke and heat detectors. Just as importantly, knowing how to recognize wildfire smoke and understand its behavior can help travelers make faster, more informed decisions that could save lives.

Emergency Safety Directives

Pre-emptive local emergency declarations are common in regions prone to widespread wildfires each year. These declarations enable authorities to mobilize and deploy security and financial resources quickly to affected areas. Travelers heading to wildfire-prone regions should stay informed by monitoring local news, alert systems and updates from relevant authorities to keep track of such declarations.

Evacuation advisories are usually issued several hours before a dangerous wildfire is expected to reach populated areas. However, wildfires can spread unpredictably, especially under erratic, windy and dry conditions. This means a situation can rapidly escalate from an advisory to a warning or urgent evacuation. Leaving early in response to an evacuation warning or pre-emptive evacuation order is generally the safest option. Be ready to leave if local authorities advise, or if you feel you are in danger. In some areas which are highly prone to wildfires, authorities may advise residents to pre-emptively relocate to larger towns and cities with less forest cover or sturdier structures and shelters capable of withstanding fires, several days in advance.

In some cases, conditions may deteriorate so rapidly that it becomes too late to evacuate, making sheltering in place the safest option. If you cannot leave during a wildfire emergency, seek shelter in a room on the side of the house opposite the approaching fire, ideally one with a clear exit. Keep windows and doors closed and turn off the air conditioning to prevent smoke from entering.

Visitors and residents are advised to follow official evacuation routes and opt for voluntary evacuations as early as possible, before conditions deteriorate and mandatory evacuation orders are issued. Those at higher risk, including individuals with medical conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children and those with disabilities, should prioritize leaving early.

To stay well-informed, monitor local media, weather forecasts and wildfire updates regularly. Sign up for free government emergency alerts and consider using smartphone apps that provide real-time wildfire information, evacuation routes and safety tips.

Preparing for the Risk of Wildfire

Being prepared and well-informed can help you make the right decisions and stay safe during a wildfire while traveling. It’s important to pack an emergency backpack with essentials well in advance of any potential evacuation. This should include non-perishable food, water, torches with spare batteries, face masks and a first-aid kit containing plasters, antiseptics, burn ointments, medicines and a thermal blanket – enough supplies to last at least 72 hours. Don’t forget to include important identification documents, medical records and travel documents such as your passport.

Take the time to familiarize yourself with escape routes, local community halls that may be designated as shelters and evacuation plans for the area you are visiting. Fill up your vehicle in case you need to evacuate. Before venturing into forested or wildfire-prone areas, consider attending safety briefings or workshops on wildfire awareness and prevention.

Store valuables such as cash, jewelry, electronics, and important documents in a fire-resistant and waterproof container whenever possible.

Additional preparations include the following wildfire safety measures:

Smoke and heat detectors

If you are staying in an area prone to wildfires, ensure that your accommodation has smoke and heat detectors to detect fires early.

Surveillance systems

Be aware of local surveillance systems or community-based alert systems that can notify you of nearby wildfires. Have a battery-powered radio.

Communication devices

Carry a reliable mobile phone with a strong signal and consider bringing a portable charger or extra battery to keep your device powered.
A satellite messenger or personal locator beacon (PLB) can remain functional during network outages and allows you to signal for help when mobile phone coverage is unavailable.
Use a mirror as a signaling device and flash it three times, the universal signal for distress.

Fire extinguishers

Always have a portable fire extinguisher in your vehicle or accommodation.

Protective gear

Consider carrying a fire-resistant blanket or clothing and thick-soled hiking boots to protect yourself from heat, flames and ash, as well as N95 masks for smoke and fine particles.
Wear loose-fitting protective clothing made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, covering from head to toe, as synthetic materials can melt quickly and cause more severe burns to the skin.

Evacuation maps and designated meeting points

Make sure that everyone in your family or travel group knows where to assemble, what to do and what routes to take in case of an evacuation.
Carry a physical map of the area with clearly marked evacuation routes and predetermined meeting points in case of separation during an emergency.

Trip planning and communication

Identifying and Avoiding Wildfire Smoke

The presence of wildfire smoke does not necessarily indicate an immediate threat. Understanding the color and behavior of smoke can help you assess your situation and take the right steps to stay safe.

A large smoke column usually signals a major fire. The direction the column is blowing is driven mainly by wind, and while wind heavily influences how a fire spreads, it is not always a reliable indicator of the fire’s exact path. Always prioritize official guidance and evacuation orders over reading smoke yourself. If unsure, follow official guidance and move towards a safe area away from visible fire activity and heavy smoke.

Pay attention to your surroundings, as smoke levels can change rapidly throughout the day. Valleys may appear smokier in the morning because smoke settles into low-lying areas overnight. A yellowish-orange or reddish tint in the sky can indicate deteriorating air quality and worsening fire conditions. White smoke often comes from fast-burning fuels like grass, while dark smoke typically means a longer-lasting fire involving thick brush or timber. Dark smoke also signals a risk of embers jumping firebreaks or roads, potentially igniting new fires ahead.

When escaping smoke or fire, movement should be guided by official advice and local conditions. However, if you are suddenly ‘smoked out,’ move immediately. Dry lightning (lightning without accompanying rainfall) is also a serious hazard, as it can spark new fires with little to no warning. If you observe dry lightning nearby, stay alert for any sudden signs of smoke or fire in the area and be ready to move quickly if one develops. If you become trapped by a wildfire, seek shelter, cover your head and body and stay close to the ground, breathing through a wet cloth if possible.

Fires move uphill faster than downhill. Wide, flat areas with little vegetation are safer because there is less fuel to feed the fire. Paved, gravel, or dirt roads, as well as already-burned areas, may provide safer evacuation routes. Be cautious of hot ash pockets and ground heat, which can damage vehicles. Crossing waterways can be unpredictable, but wet areas and small streams without electrical hazards may provide safe escape routes. If evacuating by water, ensure that suitable boats or other watercraft are available.

Contributors: Aidana Arynbek, Avantika Deb, Bumjoon Park, Diego Maloney, Eeva Ruuska, Farhan Rafi, Lorena Peña, Lorenzo Trevisan, Marco Tulio Lara, Nikita Billier, Ramya DilipKumar, Roxana Dumitrescu and Ryan Roger.

Editor: Paul Mutter

Copyrights: Riskline. More info: riskline.com

Wildfires Informer 2026