Owning a cabin in the wild is a beautiful dream. That dream can swiftly turn into a nightmare when a wildfire approaches. Knowing the signs of an incoming wildfire will keep you and your guests safe and may even aid in preserving your cabin. Here are three signs that indicate a wildfire is heading your way, as well as steps to take to protect life, limb, and property.
1. The Smell of Smoke
Where there’s smoke there’s… well, you know the rest. One of the earliest signs of a nearby wildfire is the smell of burning matter. When the weather is especially dry and windy and you can smell smoke, stay alert. This smell travels miles ahead of the actual flames, giving you an early warning. Notify the authorities in charge of the area—they may be able to mobilize fast enough to stem the blaze. Wildfires can happen everywhere in the US, so stay vigilant!
2. Smoke Plumes
You never want to see smoke plumes emanating from the woods or prairies. Minor smoke plumes could mean a controlled campfire, but if they seem out of place, be alert. Seeing smoke plumes in the sky indicates a wildfire is not far off. The color of the smoke is also a good source of information on the type of blaze. White smoke typically indicates light fuels, such as grasses and bushes. Wark smoke suggests heavier materials, such as trees and structures, are ablaze.
Watch the speed and direction of the smoke—it will help you determine the fire’s path. Note that if you see ash and debris falling from the sky, the wildfire is growing closer. Ash travels some distance, but its presence means the fire is nearby.
3. Unusual Activity
It’s lovely to see woodland creatures amble by your cabin in the mornings, but a sudden increase in animal sightings is a bad sign. Wildlife flees from fires, so if you see more wildlife than usual and they appear agitated, take precautions. Likewise, note sudden changes in wind direction and speed. Wildfires create their own weather patterns, causing sudden changes in the wind’s behavior. Abrupt shifts in the wind could be due to a wildfire. Take immediate action and flee.
Here’s one more weird thing to watch for: Orange or red glows on the horizon that clearly aren’t coming from the sunrise or sunset are clear signs of wildfires. Take immediate evasive action.
Staying Safe, Preserving Property
The best way to handle wildfires is to work toward reducing their impact well before they start. Be prepared! Create a defensible space around your cabin—clear vegetation, debris, and burnable materials within at least 30 feet of your cabin. Additionally, build your cabin with fire-resistant materials, and keep it clean and the gutters, roofs, and deck clear of burnable material. This slows a wildfire’s spread and gives your property a chance to survive. Finally, plan an evacuation strategy; pack a bugout kit with water, food, medications, and clothing; and keep it accessible. Be prepared for any emergency, and map out escape routes and conduct drills with your family and guests. Above all, stay informed about the local weather and current conditions conducive to wildfire. Those are just three signs that indicate a wildfire is heading your way and ways to protect your cabin. Good luck, and be safe!
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