WILDFIRE HELP — LEAVE SAFELY, FIND SUPPORT, REBUILD Reviewed: 2026-08-03 Review again by: 2026-09-03 Source edition: sha256:0254f025a0b7ed952562497cdcafa2e39e2bfa92eb31a5c7cdfcd5ada439e1d9 You are seen. Your life matters more than belongings. People beyond the fire line see what is happening and care. This page turns that care into a few practical steps and verified official doors. It is not monitored and cannot send help. You do not need to finish this guide. Choose the next safe step, then go. IMPORTANT BOUNDARY This is a static guide. It does not know where the fire is, which roads are open, whether a shelter has space, or whether return is permitted. Current instructions from local fire, police, emergency management, public health, and evacuation authorities override this guide. If you are in immediate danger or cannot leave, call the emergency number for your country now and give your exact location and access needs. Mindicraft does not request a precise location, infer or transmit your location, or store a survivor profile. You choose a country or region yourself to see the right official numbers. When wildfire or an evacuation order threatens you, this page replaces the general lost-person stay-put and signal-fire advice in the civilisation guide. 1. I NEED TO LEAVE NOW Leave first. Do not finish the page or try to protect property. 1) If officials tell you to evacuate—or fire or smoke makes you feel unsafe—leave now. Do not stop to collect belongings or fight the fire. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html | https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ 2) Use the route officials name. Do not take shortcuts, cross a roadblock, or drive toward fire or downed power lines. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/wildfires/how-prepare.html | https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ 3) Only if they are close at hand, take people, medicines, medical or mobility equipment, phone and charger, identification, keys, and pets or service animals. Do not delay leaving. Sources: https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_hm-emergency-supply-kit-checklist_english.pdf | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-planning-resources/persons-disabilities.html | https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ 4) If you cannot leave, call your local emergency number. Give your exact location and say if you need accessible transport, medical power, communication help, or animal support. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-planning-resources/persons-disabilities.html | https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ 5) If it is safe and does not slow you down, tell one trusted person where you are going and who is with you. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ Words you can use: I am evacuating because of wildfire. I am at [location]. I need [transport, medical power, accessibility, language, or animal help]. Where should I go now? 2. I AM SAFELY AWAY AND NEED HELP Find a safe place for tonight, then handle one urgent need at a time. 1) Use your local authority or recognized Red Cross or Red Crescent door to find an official shelter or evacuation centre. Confirm accessibility, service-animal, pet, and medical-power needs directly. Sources: https://www.ifrc.org/national-societies-directory/0 | https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html | https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/get-help-disaster-relief-and-recovery 2) Ask first for injury care, medicines, safe water and food, accessible accommodation, charging or medical power, and help keeping your household together. Sources: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 | https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-planning-resources/persons-disabilities.html 3) Do not return for belongings until local authorities reopen the area. Do not enter a fire-damaged building until the responsible authority or a qualified inspector says it can be entered. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-wildfire.html | https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/guidance-training/consistent-messages/wildfire/recovery-what-to-do-after-a-wildfire 4) When you have breathing room, keep identification, policy details, claim or aid numbers, receipts, photos, deadlines, and dated contact notes together in one recovery folder. Sources: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/outreach/after-wui-fire.html | https://content.naic.org/article/what-should-i-do-after-wildfire 5) Open disaster aid through an official government or recognized humanitarian website. Eligibility, deadlines, shelter openings, and payment amounts change by event; this page does not promise them. Sources: https://www.usa.gov/disaster | https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/getting-help | https://www.ifrc.org/national-societies-directory/0 Words you can use: I have evacuated because of wildfire. I need [shelter, medicine, accessible accommodation, food, charging, transport, or animal help] today. What official service can help me? 3. SMOKE IS AFFECTING ME Evacuation orders come first. Otherwise reduce smoke exposure and use health help when needed. 1) Smoke advice is not permission to stay near a fire. If officials tell you to evacuate, leave immediately. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html | https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq | https://www.ready.gov/wildfires 2) If there is no evacuation order and it is safe to remain indoors, move to cleaner, cooler indoor air; close windows and doors when safe, use recirculation and suitable filtration, and avoid making more indoor smoke or particles. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq | https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2025/wildfire-smoke.html 3) A well-fitting particulate respirator certified by the authority in your country—for example, a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 in the United States—can reduce particle exposure. It does not supply oxygen, protect against gases, or replace evacuation. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2025/wildfire-smoke.html 4) Severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, a serious asthma attack, marked dizziness, or a rapidly worsening condition needs urgent medical help through your local health or emergency system. Sources: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/healthy-living/environment/air-quality/wildfire-smoke.html | https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html 5) Children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with heart or lung conditions can face greater smoke risk. Use current local public-health advice for the person in front of you. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2025/wildfire-smoke.html | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/healthy-living/environment/air-quality/wildfire-smoke.html Words you can use: Wildfire smoke is affecting my breathing or health. My symptoms are [plain description]. Where can I get urgent advice or cleaner air now? 4. I MAY BE RETURNING HOME Return only after authorities reopen the area, and enter a damaged building only after responsible clearance. Fire damage can hide heat, electricity, structural, water, and ash hazards. 1) Return only after local authorities reopen the area. Enter a fire-damaged building only after the responsible authority or a qualified inspector says it is safe. A quiet street, map, or social post is not clearance. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-wildfire.html | https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/guidance-training/consistent-messages/wildfire/recovery-what-to-do-after-a-wildfire 2) Avoid hot ash, embers, unstable trees or buildings, downed lines, damaged tanks, batteries, and chemical containers. Do not restore utilities yourself. Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-wildfire.html | https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/wildfires/how-prepare.html 3) Follow local public-health advice before using tap or private-well water, or food exposed to fire, ash, heat, damaged packaging, or lost refrigeration. Sealed, undamaged supplies from a safe source can still be used. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/wildfires/how-prepare.html | https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/guidance-training/consistent-messages/wildfire/recovery-what-to-do-after-a-wildfire 4) When it is safe, photograph or video damage before moving or discarding items. Contact the insurer or landlord and ask what urgent work or disposal they authorize. Sources: https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/outreach/after-wui-fire.html | https://content.naic.org/article/what-should-i-do-after-wildfire 5) Keep children, pets, older adults, and people with heart or lung conditions away from ash cleanup. Burned-structure ash may contain hazardous material; follow the local debris program before cleanup and use the protection it requires. Sources: https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/frequent-questions-about-wildland-fire-smoke-individuals | https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-wildfire.html | https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings Words you can use: Have local authorities reopened my area? Has the responsible authority or a qualified inspector cleared this damaged building for entry? What water, utility, ash, and structural restrictions still apply? 5. I AM STARTING RECOVERY OR REBUILDING Make one record, use official doors, and do not let urgency force an unsafe contract or payment. 1) Contact the insurer or landlord through contact details you verify yourself. Ask about temporary housing, emergency work, evidence, disposal, deadlines, and the next named step. Sources: https://content.naic.org/article/what-should-i-do-after-wildfire | https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/outreach/after-wui-fire.html 2) Keep copies of forms, photos, receipts, claim and application numbers, names, dates, promises, deadlines, and decisions outside the damaged home or device. Sources: https://content.naic.org/article/what-should-i-do-after-wildfire | https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/outreach/after-wui-fire.html 3) Before hiring, verify the contractor through the local regulator, obtain written estimates and scope, and do not sign a blank document or pay the entire amount in advance. Sources: https://content.naic.org/article/how-can-i-avoid-getting-scammed-contractor 4) Ask the local building authority which permits, debris rules, and current fire-resilient building requirements apply before reconstruction. Sources: https://content.naic.org/article/how-can-i-avoid-getting-scammed-contractor | https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings 5) Safety, shelter, food, medication, trusted contact, and practical help come before retelling the event. Distress after an emergency is common; local health and crisis services can help when it is too much to carry alone. Sources: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 | https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-in-emergencies Words you can use: I am recovering from wildfire. My next need is [housing, documents, insurance, aid, cleanup, work, school, animals, or emotional support]. Which official service owns that step? 6. I AM HELPING SOMEONE Offer calm practical help, preserve choice, and connect the person to current local services. 1) Check immediate safety first. If the person is in danger, help them contact local emergency services or follow an evacuation order; do not send them back for belongings. Sources: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires | https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 2) Ask what practical help they want now: transport, shelter, medication, charging, food, animal care, translation, paperwork, or simply someone trusted beside them. Sources: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 3) Listen without pressing for details or asking them to retell the event. Respect dignity, culture, ability, privacy, and refusal. Sources: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 4) Share the exact official page or number, say when you checked it, and be honest if shelter space, eligibility, hours, or response are unknown. Sources: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 | https://www.ifrc.org/national-societies-directory/0 5) A useful message is: I see what is happening. You do not have to solve everything today. I can help with one practical thing you choose. Sources: https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 Words you can use: I see what is happening. You do not have to explain it all. What is one practical thing you want help with right now? ASK FOR ONE PRACTICAL NEED - Accessible transport: I am evacuating because of wildfire. I need accessible transport and have [mobility, communication, medical, or service-animal need]. Where should I go now? - Shelter tonight: I have evacuated because of wildfire. I need an official shelter for [people, children, service animal, pets] and need [accessibility or medical power]. What is open now? - Medicine or medical power: I have been displaced by wildfire and need [medicine, refrigeration, charging, oxygen, or powered equipment]. Which health or shelter service can help today? - Pets, service animals, or livestock: I am evacuating with [pet, service animal, or livestock]. Which official animal-safe shelter or local animal authority should I contact? - Housing, money, or disaster aid: I was displaced or lost property in a wildfire. Which official program applies to this event in my area? Has it been formally declared, and does that affect eligibility or deadlines? What documents should I verify? - Emotional support: I have been affected by wildfire and need confidential emotional support. Which local disaster or crisis service can I contact now? OFFICIAL HELP BY REGION Open these sites again for current orders, roads, shelter availability, return clearance, deadlines, and eligibility. This saved copy does not know them. Elsewhere or not sure Use your local government, fire service, civil-protection authority, or emergency broadcaster for orders. The IFRC directory can find the recognized Red Cross or Red Crescent society in 191 countries. - Find your national Red Cross or Red Crescent society: Local humanitarian contact directory; services differ by country https://www.ifrc.org/national-societies-directory/0 United States Local and tribal emergency authorities issue evacuation orders. Federal and Red Cross doors below route alerts, shelters, air quality, and declared-disaster help. Emergency: 911 - FEMA app and alerts: Official alerts, safety information, shelter and recovery tools https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products - InciWeb incidents: Official incident information; not an evacuation order https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ - AirNow fire and smoke map: Current smoke and air-quality information; not an evacuation order https://fire.airnow.gov/ - American Red Cross open shelters: Current recognized shelter listings and local Red Cross help https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html - USA.gov disaster help: Official router for food, housing, bills, insurance and other help https://www.usa.gov/disaster - DisasterAssistance.gov: Check and apply for federal assistance for a declared disaster https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ - SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline: United States and territories: multilingual disaster crisis support https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline Canada Local, First Nations, provincial, and territorial authorities lead evacuation and recovery. Use the province or territory page for current orders. Emergency: 911 or your local emergency number - Federal wildfire response and support: Federal measures and links to provincial, territorial, health, and support information https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/wildfires.html - Province and territory wildfire information: Official provincial and territorial information; open the relevant authority for local alerts and status https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/wildfires/prov.html - Wildfire smoke and Air Quality Health Index: Current air-quality forecasts, alerts and health advice https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/healthy-living/environment/air-quality/wildfire-smoke.html - Canadian Red Cross disaster help: Current evacuation and recovery support https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/get-help-disaster-relief-and-recovery European Union National and local civil-protection authorities issue warnings and evacuation orders. European maps and air indexes add context but do not grant clearance or replace local orders. Emergency: 112 - National disaster-management systems: Official national civil-protection authority directory https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/national-disaster-management-system_en - European Air Quality Index: Current regional air-quality information; not an evacuation order https://airindex.eea.europa.eu/AQI/index.html - EU wildfire response information: Regional civil-protection context; local authorities remain the order source https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/wildfires_en United Kingdom Police, fire and rescue services, local authorities, and GOV.UK Emergency Alerts provide current instructions. Emergency: 999 - GOV.UK Emergency Alerts: Official emergency-alert information https://www.gov.uk/alerts - Prepare for wildfires: Official UK wildfire safety and evacuation guidance https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/wildfires/ Australia State and territory fire and emergency services issue bushfire warnings. Use their current warning service before any national recovery page. Emergency: Triple Zero (000) - State and territory warning services: Directory to official state and territory warning and emergency services https://my.gov.au/en/services/living-arrangements/experiencing-a-natural-disaster/being-prepared-for-a-natural-disaster - Disaster Assist — getting help: Official declared-disaster payments and support information https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/getting-help - Bushfire smoke and health: Australian Government health information and state guidance links https://www.health.gov.au/news/bushfire-smoke-fact-sheets-are-now-available?language=en New Zealand Fire and Emergency New Zealand and local Civil Defence groups provide current warnings, orders, evacuation-centre and recovery information. Emergency: 111 - Get Ready wildfire guidance: General official evacuation and return guidance; use local Civil Defence and fire instructions for current orders https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ - Civil Defence contacts: National and local Civil Defence contact route https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/about/contact-us - Where to get recovery support: Current official support after an emergency https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/emergency-events/advice-and-support/where-you-can-get-support SOURCES [1] Wildfires — Ready.gov, United States Department of Homeland Security https://www.ready.gov/wildfires Checked 2026-08-03 [2] Emergency Supply Kit Checklist — Federal Emergency Management Agency https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/fema_hm-emergency-supply-kit-checklist_english.pdf Checked 2026-08-03 [3] Safety Guidelines: Wildfires and Wildfire Smoke — United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-during-a-wildfire.html Checked 2026-08-03 [4] Safety Guidelines: After a Wildfire — United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/wildfires/safety/how-to-safely-stay-safe-after-a-wildfire.html Checked 2026-08-03 [5] Wildfires and Indoor Air Quality — United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/emergencies-iaq/wildfires-and-indoor-air-quality-iaq Checked 2026-08-03 [6] Frequent Questions About Wildland Fire Smoke for Individuals — United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/wildfires/frequent-questions-about-wildland-fire-smoke-individuals Checked 2026-08-03 [7] Dealing with Debris and Damaged Buildings — United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/natural-disasters/dealing-debris-and-damaged-buildings Checked 2026-08-03 [8] How to Protect Workers and the Public from Wildfire Smoke — United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/bulletin/2025/wildfire-smoke.html Checked 2026-08-03 [9] After a Wildland Fire — United States Fire Administration https://www.usfa.fema.gov/wui/outreach/after-wui-fire.html Checked 2026-08-03 [10] What should I do after a wildfire? — National Association of Insurance Commissioners https://content.naic.org/article/what-should-i-do-after-wildfire Checked 2026-08-03 [11] How can I avoid getting scammed by a contractor? — National Association of Insurance Commissioners https://content.naic.org/article/how-can-i-avoid-getting-scammed-contractor Checked 2026-08-03 [12] Protecting Livestock During a Disaster — United States Department of Agriculture https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal-emergencies/protecting-livestock-during-disaster Checked 2026-08-03 [13] Psychological first aid: Guide for field workers — World Health Organization https://www.who.int/publications-detail-redirect/9789241548205 Checked 2026-08-03 [14] Mental health in emergencies — World Health Organization https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-in-emergencies Checked 2026-08-03 [15] National Society directory — International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies https://www.ifrc.org/national-societies-directory/0 Checked 2026-08-03 [16] FEMA App and Mobile Products — Federal Emergency Management Agency https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products Checked 2026-08-03 [17] InciWeb — United States interagency wildland fire community https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ Checked 2026-08-03 [18] Fire and Smoke Map — AirNow, United States Environmental Protection Agency partners https://fire.airnow.gov/ Checked 2026-08-03 [19] Find an Open Shelter — American Red Cross https://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter.html Checked 2026-08-03 [20] Recovering from a disaster — USAGov https://www.usa.gov/disaster Checked 2026-08-03 [21] DisasterAssistance.gov — United States Department of Homeland Security https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Checked 2026-08-03 [22] Disaster Distress Helpline — United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/disaster-distress-helpline Checked 2026-08-03 [23] Wildfires — Get prepared — Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/hazards-emergencies/wildfires/how-prepare.html Checked 2026-08-03 [24] Emergency planning resources for persons with disabilities — Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/emergencies/preparedness/get-prepared/emergency-planning-resources/persons-disabilities.html Checked 2026-08-03 [25] Wildfires: Federal Response — Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/wildfires.html Checked 2026-08-03 [26] Provincial and territorial wildfire information — Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-safety-canada/campaigns/wildfires/prov.html Checked 2026-08-03 [27] Wildfire smoke, air quality and your health — Government of Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/healthy-living/environment/air-quality/wildfire-smoke.html Checked 2026-08-03 [28] Get help: disaster relief and recovery — Canadian Red Cross https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/emergencies-and-disasters-in-canada/get-help-disaster-relief-and-recovery Checked 2026-08-03 [29] 112 — the EU emergency phone number — European Commission https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/policies/112 Checked 2026-08-03 [30] National disaster management systems — European Commission Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/national-disaster-management-system_en Checked 2026-08-03 [31] European Air Quality Index — European Environment Agency https://airindex.eea.europa.eu/AQI/index.html Checked 2026-08-03 [32] Wildfires — European Commission Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/wildfires_en Checked 2026-08-03 [33] Emergency Alerts — Government of the United Kingdom https://www.gov.uk/alerts Checked 2026-08-03 [34] Be informed about wildfires — Government of the United Kingdom https://prepare.campaign.gov.uk/be-informed-about-hazards/wildfires/ Checked 2026-08-03 [35] Triple Zero — Australian Government https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications/phone/triple-zero Checked 2026-08-03 [36] Being prepared for a natural disaster — Australian Government myGov https://my.gov.au/en/services/living-arrangements/experiencing-a-natural-disaster/being-prepared-for-a-natural-disaster Checked 2026-08-03 [37] Getting help — Australian Government Disaster Assist https://www.disasterassist.gov.au/getting-help Checked 2026-08-03 [38] Bushfire smoke fact sheets — Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing https://www.health.gov.au/news/bushfire-smoke-fact-sheets-are-now-available?language=en Checked 2026-08-03 [39] Wildfires — New Zealand Civil Defence https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/wildfires/ Checked 2026-08-03 [40] Recovery: What to do after a wildfire — New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/guidance-training/consistent-messages/wildfire/recovery-what-to-do-after-a-wildfire Checked 2026-08-03 [41] Contact Civil Defence — New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/about/contact-us Checked 2026-08-03 [42] Where you can get support — New Zealand National Emergency Management Agency https://www.civildefence.govt.nz/emergency-events/advice-and-support/where-you-can-get-support Checked 2026-08-03 Correction: https://github.com/cambridgetcg/mindicraft/issues Human page: https://mindicraft.com/wildfire/ JSON: https://mindicraft.com/api/wildfire/index.json