As wildfires burn through Los Angeles, California, the destruction is a gloomy reminder of how powerful nature can be and how important it is to be ready. People have had to leave their homes, communities have been uprooted, and sadly, lives have been lost. Drought, wind, and dry land are making wildfires happen more often and with more force. Despite the chaos, one thing remains clear: preparing for and surviving a wildfire can save lives.
This guide uses the current wildfire in Los Angeles in January 2025 to show you important ways to stay alive and protect yourself, your family, and your property.
The Devastating Reality of Wildfires
The wildfire in Los Angeles is a stark reminder of how fast fires can destroy towns and engulf communities. It’s easy for damage to happen when there are strong winds, dry plants, and rising temperatures. Thousands of acres can catch fire in just a few days, driving people to leave their homes and causing a huge amount of damage.
These events make a very important point clear: no one is safe. Whether you live in a city, the suburbs, or the country, you need to know how wildfires behave and plan how to stay safe.
Understanding Wildfire Behavior
Three main things make wildfires grow so quickly that it’s scary:
- Wind: High winds can carry embers miles ahead of the firefront, sparking new fires in unexpected areas. This is why communities far from the initial blaze may suddenly find themselves in danger.
- Terrain: Fires move faster uphill as heat rises, making slopes particularly dangerous. If you live on or near a hill, this should be a key consideration in your evacuation planning.
- Fuel Sources: Dry vegetation, dead leaves, and even unprepared homes can act as kindling. Fireproofing your home and reducing flammable materials is essential to minimizing risk.
Every second counts when a blaze is close by. Acting quickly can make the difference between life and death.
Be Prepared for Wildfires
While preparation is crucial, it’s important to understand that you cannot solely rely on the local government or emergency services to prioritize your safety. As the Los Angeles fires in January 2025 demonstrated, wildfires frequently overwhelm resources, leaving communities to rely on their own resources. The lack of water supply to contain fires and delayed response times underscore the importance of personal responsibility and self-reliance.
Adding to the urgency of preparedness, Joe Rogan’s chilling prediction about Los Angeles wildfires recently went viral. On his podcast, Rogan emphasized how the combination of worsening droughts, mismanagement, and increasing urban sprawl creates an ideal environment for catastrophic wildfires. He warned that resources like water and emergency services might not be available during critical moments, urging listeners to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families. This foresight resonates deeply with those who experienced the inadequacy of water supplies and firefighting infrastructure during the recent fires.
Source: news.com.au
Developing a robust plan and ensuring your family is equipped to act independently can differentiate between survival and tragedy.
Here is how to start:
Create Defensible Space
- Clear at least 30 feet of flammable goods from your residence. If possible, extend this buffer zone to 100 feet. This space is essential because it creates a barrier that can slow down or stop the fire’s progress, especially when water supplies are limited.
- Trim bushes, trees, and other vegetation on a regular basis to remove dead or overgrown materials that can fuel fires. During the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025, reports highlighted how neglected vegetation near homes worsened fire spread.
- Use fire-resistant landscaping materials such as gravel, concrete, or stone instead of wood chips or dry grass. These materials are less likely to ignite and can serve as an additional safeguard when water resources are scarce.
- Keep gutters and roofs free of debris, as embers can easily ignite dry leaves. This small step can significantly reduce the risk of fire embers starting a blaze on your property, especially during periods when fire hydrants and water supplies are insufficient.
- Clear at least 30 feet of flammable goods from your residence. If possible, extend this buffer zone to 100 feet.
- Trim bushes, trees, and other vegetation on a regular basis to remove dead or overgrown materials that can fuel fires.
- Use fire-resistant landscaping materials such as gravel, concrete, or stone instead of wood chips or dry grass.
- Keep gutters and roofs free of debris, as embers can easily ignite dry leaves.
Create a Wildfire Survival Kit
Include the following vital items:
- N95 Masks: Provide protection against smoke inhalation, which can cause serious health issues.
- Nonperishable Food and Water: Pack enough to last each family member for at least 72 hours.
- Emergency Lighting: Flashlights with extra batteries and a portable phone charger are essential for power outages.
- Crucial Documents: Store copies of passports, insurance papers, personal photos, credit cards, cash and medical records in a waterproof bag. Keep a digital backup on a USB drive or cloud storage.
- First Aid Supplies: Include bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and any prescription medications.
- Clothing and Essentials: Pack sturdy shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and blankets.
- Personal computer: Pack your personal computer and charger.
Prepare an Evacuation Plan
- Identify at least two evacuation routes in case one is blocked by fire or traffic.
- Establish a designated meeting point for family members in case you become separated.
- Practice your evacuation plan regularly so everyone knows what to do and where to go.
- Make arrangements for pets and livestock. Have carriers, leashes, and food ready for your animals.
When the Fire Strikes: Survival Tactics
When confronted with an active wildfire, prioritize your safety with the following strategies:
Evacuate Early
- Don’t wait for mandatory evacuation orders if the fire is approaching. Early evacuation reduces the risk of being trapped.
- Monitor local alerts and emergency broadcasts to stay informed about the fire’s path and evacuation orders.
- Pack your vehicle ahead of time to ensure a quick departure.
Caught Outside
- Find a clearing with little vegetation, such as a rocky area or dirt road, to minimize your exposure to flames.
- Lie flat on the ground and cover your body with wet clothing, a blanket, or soil to protect against heat and embers.
- Avoid canyons and other low-lying areas where fire can funnel and intensify.
Shelter in Place
- If evacuation isn’t possible, seal windows and doors to keep smoke out. Use duct tape to cover any gaps.
- Stay near the centre of your home, away from exterior walls, which are more likely to catch fire.
- Fill sinks and bathtubs with water to use in case flames reach your home.
Protect Your Lungs
- Use an N95 mask or a damp cloth over your nose and mouth to minimize smoke inhalation. Smoke can irritate your eyes and respiratory system, even at low levels of exposure.
Real Stories of Survival
Every wildfire yields tales of individuals who overcome overwhelming challenges. Survivors often emphasize the importance of preparedness and quick thinking. For example, during the January 2025 California wildfire, one family’s preparedness mentality allowed them to evacuate safely despite intense flames surrounding their property in Runyon Canyon.
“In a time of crisis, it’s so funny what you learn about yourself in terms of what to save,”
says Laurel Canyon evacuee Mel, who didn’t want to share her last name. Her family was told to evacuate when the Runyon Canyon fire broke out on Wednesday, Jan. 8th.
“Because we live in a brush fire zone and the winds were so high, we knew we should have a few go bags packed,” she explains. “So, we did that casually earlier—some clothes, contact lenses. But when you see flames on the ridge next to yours? It’s like nothing matters. I don’t give a s— about anything of value except my people.”
Mel was aware of packing “the six Ps”: people and pets, papers, prescriptions, photos, personal computer and plastic (credit cards, ATM cards, etc.). In her case, she, her husband, and her daughter took what was in their safe—passports, some watches, and jewellery—and nothing else.
“That’s basically it. I took a lot less than I thought we would, because at that point nothing else matters. You just go,”
she says.
Source: People
Such stories, combined with Rogan’s cautionary words, remind us that survival is possible with the right mindset and preparation.
Recovering After the Flames
Once the fire is under control, your problems don’t just disappear. Here’s how to begin the recovery process:
Dealing with Displacement
- Find a local wildfire shelter or other community resources right away to get help. Organizations like the Red Cross and FEMA often set up temporary housing for evacuees.
- Stay in touch with people you care about to get mental support. Don’t underestimate the emotional toll of losing your home or being displaced.
- Keep records of all expenses related to the evacuation, as these may be reimbursed through insurance or disaster assistance programs.
Insurance Claims
- For insurance claims, show proof of damage with pictures and videos. Take detailed notes of what was lost or damaged.
- Get in touch with your insurance company right away. Many companies provide emergency contacts during disasters to expedite claims.
Rebuilding
- Consider fire-resistant materials for repairs or rebuilding, such as metal roofing and stucco walls.
- Support your community by donating supplies, volunteering, or participating in recovery efforts. Rebuilding together can help restore a sense of normalcy.
A Call to Action
Despite the unpredictable nature of a wildfire, preparation is crucial. Act now to safeguard your family and home. Prepare survival gear, build a defensible zone, and practice your evacuation strategy. Share this knowledge with others; together, we can create more resilient communities.
The fires may blaze, but with knowledge and preparedness, we can survive and emerge stronger than before. Stay safe, informed, and prepared.
