Being prepared helps you avoid problems in the first place and, if you do find yourself in a tight spot, helps you stay calm because you have a plan for what to do in the situation. You’ll find some good info here about what to do if you are trapped and a wildfire is approaching fast. (And they are fast. In 2018, the Camp Fire in the Paradise area devoured the length of a football field every…

The most important thing is to choose the place best able to withstand the flaming front of the fire. This may not be your home, but an outbuilding, shop, or even your car. The structure should have:

To survive, YOU MUST STAY INSIDE THE SHELTER until the fire front passes. Although it will be very hot, it can be four- or five-times hotter outside.

Most of these things you can plan for ahead of time. Then, when the fire comes, if you can't get out (evacuating early is always preferred), go into action.

A structure will offer more protection than a car, so if there is a building nearby, get inside it. Otherwise, park and stay in your car. It will be safer than being in the open, where you would be directly exposed to flames and radiant heat.

Here are some questions and answers that El Dorado County FD Fire Marshal Brandon McKay passed along via email to Oak Hill area neighbors who attended an August 2018 neighborhood fire safety meeting. These are things to consider when making plans (Q&A paraphrased):