Wildfire Evacuation Checklist for California Households
Updated 2026-11-07 · CA Fire Map editors
Wildfires can force an evacuation with very little warning. CAL FIRE's Ready, Set, Go! program breaks preparation into three stages: get ready before fire season, get set when a fire is nearby, and go early when officials tell you to leave, or sooner if you feel unsafe.
1. Ready: before fire season
- Sign up for your county's emergency alerts. Find your county in our county directory.
- Look up your evacuation zone on Genasys Protect if your county uses it, and write it down.
- Plan two ways out of your neighborhood and a meeting place outside the area.
- Pack a go-bag for each person and pet and keep it near the door or in your car.
- Clear defensible space around your home. See defensible space zones explained.
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2. What to pack: the "Six P's"
CAL FIRE suggests remembering the Six P's when you have to leave quickly:
- People and pets, with leashes, carriers, pet food and water.
- Papers, phone numbers and important documents: IDs, insurance policies, deeds, medical cards.
- Prescriptions, vitamins and eyeglasses.
- Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia.
- Personal computer, hard drive and phone chargers.
- Plastic: credit and debit cards, plus some cash.
Also pack water, non-perishable food, a flashlight, a battery or crank radio, N95 masks for smoke, a change of clothes and a first-aid kit.
Free guide: defensible space zones explained
Zone 0, Zone 1 and Zone 2 in plain English, and what to do in each.
Read the guide3. Set: when fire is in your area
- Monitor county alerts, local news and the CAL FIRE incidents page.
- Park your car facing out, with a full tank, and load your go-bags.
- Close windows, vents and doors, and move flammable patio furniture away from the house.
- Leave lights on so firefighters can see your home through smoke.
4. Go: leave early
An evacuation warning means prepare to leave and go now if you need extra time (older adults, people with disabilities, pets or livestock). An evacuation order means leave immediately. Don't wait for an official order if you feel threatened. Use the Red Cross open shelter finder if you need a place to stay.
After the fire
Only return when officials say it is safe. For aid and insurance help, see shelters, aid and insurance.