How to prepare for wildfire evacuations and other emergencies

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A wildfire or other emergency can lead to evacuations within a matter of minutes. The Department of Emergency Management says there is no wrong time to prepare for an emergency.

Over 750 fires have started in Utah in 2025, burning over 150,000 acres and leading to significant evacuations throughout the state. On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, the Willard Peak Fire broke out in North Ogden, and several blocks were evacuated within a couple hours of the fire start. Additionally, almost 30,000 people lost power as a result of the fire.

While evacuation procedures are decided and conducted by local governments, the Utah Division of Emergency Management often partners with local jurisdictions to conduct emergency drills and exercises. Additionally, they encourage individuals and households to stay prepared for an emergency.

Bryan Stinson, with Be Ready Utah and the Division of Emergency Management, spoke with ABC4 on what people should do before and during an emergency.

Before an Emergency

Be Ready Utah, within the Utah Division of Emergency Management, believes that anytime is a good time to talk about emergency preparedness and initial preparedness can help individuals ensure they’re ready for natural disasters and other emergencies

Prior to wildfire season, individuals should make their properties defensible, by clearing debris and keeping other combustible materials away from structures. Additionally, when weather conditions are especially dry and hot, Bryan Stinson says, “You need to be prepared to listen to weather forecasts, specifically when there are red flag warnings.”

The National Weather Service in Salt Lake City posts updates on severe weather events and hazardous weather conditions. Additionally, regional weather radios give updates on hazardous weather, natural disasters, and evacuation orders.

On an individual basis, Stinson says people should “keep your phone charged and have battery chargers and backups for those, so you can always receive those emergency alerts.”

Additionally, keeping vehicle fuel tanks at least half full can ensure that, when an emergency occurs, individuals can be immediately prepared to evacuate. Stinson also advises people to be aware of multiple evacuation routes from their homes, work, and school.

Emergency preparedness does not have to be super complex. According to Stinson, it can be as simple as having a plan on where to go and what to do during an emergency, or having a basic disaster supply kit with water, food, personal documents, and medication.

During an Emergency

When an emergency does occur, such as a wildfire, it is important to act immediately.

“You need to grab your family, your pets, your disaster supply kits and maybe some thigs, like your phone, car keys, wallet, purse, other things,” Stinson says, “But get out of there quickly and safely when the emergency evacuation alert comes out.

Stinson also says that people don’t have to wait until the evacuation alert comes through to act, “If you’re starting to feel like your area is unsafe, don’t wait for the alert. Go ahead and evacuate anyway.”

Evacuation orders are decided by local government agencies, and often posted by those agencies on social media. Additionally, emergency agencies can send emergency alerts to advise residents of an area of evacuations and other hazardous conditions. Individuals should look at their local government’s websites to see if they can sign up for 911 alerts.

At the end of the day, though, Stinson emphasizes the importance of taking any steps towards emergency preparedness, “This isn’t anything crazy. This is just basic standard being prepared for rainy days or, in this case, fiery days.”