Summertime in Wyoming, camping, lake days, bbqs, and wildfires. Lots of wildfires. This year it has been exceptionally dry. Drier than I can remember. Of course, this isn’t unique to Wyoming either. Plenty of places across the country have bad wildfire seasons. So… how do you prepare to live in a place prone to fire? Well, I have a few thoughts.

My husband and I met in wildland fire dispatch working for different agencies and from different towns. We’ve both experienced a lot of fire seasons over the years. So much of what helps keep your homestead (or regular property) safe seems like common sense – but many people still don’t do them.

1- Buy property that has clear escape routes. Fire can come in any direction. Buying a property with one way in and one way out is risky. If you already own your property think about your escape routes. Where we live I would absolutely drive through my neighbors’ yard or pasture if I needed to.

2- Keep tall grass mowed down. This is the easiest, yet I’ve seen homes who don’t think about it. Mow down the grass around your house and outbuildings. This gives yourself some defensable space.

3- Think about where propane tanks go. Propane tanks and fire are not friends. Just like with your house, make sure to keep the grass mowed down around propane tanks. Also, ensure that they are in good working order. It goes without saying that a propane leak during a grass fire is bad.

4- Water. Now this one isn’t always possible. This year since we have been in extreme drought conditions, there have been water restrictions. However, when you are able to, keeping your lawn watered can be very helpful.

5- Stock up on essentials. You never know when you might be cut off from your local grocery store due to fires. Or the supply chain could be impacted from fires. Now, I don’t mean hoard things like people did during COVID lockdowns, but have some long term supplies in place.

6- If you are asked to evacuate, EVACUATE! This one makes me mad. Firefighters and law enforcement ask people to evacuate so that they are out of danger and the professionals can work without worrying about people in the way. People have been killed or seriously injured being accidentally hit with slurry. Nothing in your house or on your property is worth your life.

Now, you can be as prepared as possible and still be impacted by a wildfire. Sometimes an act of God doesn’t care about preparedness. All that to say, if you are impacted by a fire and did all these things, I’m truly sorry. You cannot control fire. Hopefully these ideas will help you be as prepared as possible.

I feel like I shouldn’t have to say this either, but these are just ideas, I am in no way responsible if you are affected by a fire and did these things.