Wildfires can be one of nature’s most destructive events, and when the conditions are right, it does not take much for a fire to start and spread.

Even the smallest ember from a discarded cigarette, the hot exhaust of a car, or an unattended campfire can lead to disaster. Learning about the risks that wildfires pose to your home or business and how to minimize them is essential for residents of areas that are prone to such damage.

Understanding Wildfires

Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that typically start in rural or more natural areas that feature plenty of vegetation. They can spread quickly, and they will often grow large enough to threaten nearby homes and businesses.

Though wildfires can happen at any time, certain conditions make them more likely to occur. The threat of wildfires is at its highest when:

• The region has been through a drought
• The weather is hot and dry
• There are high winds
• There is excessive dry brush and vegetation

Forested areas, grasslands, and arid regions like deserts are more prone to wildfires, but they can happen anywhere that there are dry conditions and plenty of fuel, like dead grasses.

While wildfires can be sparked by natural phenomena like lightning strikes, they are most often caused by human activity, from controlled burns that get out of control to unattended campfires, parking a car in dry grasses, burning trash, or welding without a spotter in dry areas.

The Damages Caused by Wildfires

Wildfires can be some of the most devastating natural disasters, especially in more densely populated areas. They often cause millions of dollars in damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure like roads and power lines. Plus, the damage is not over once the fire is put out.

Beyond the initial fire and smoke damage, there can be water damage and mold growth from the water that was used to extinguish the fire.

Exposure to wildfires can cause plenty of health concerns for people as well, from smoke inhalation to respiratory issues caused by the soot, ashes, and particulate matter in the air.  Plus, there can be massive environmental consequences, from loss of wildlife and habitat to air and water pollution.

All of the smoke, burning plastics, and contaminated water runoff can have long-lasting effects on the health of humans, animals, and the environment.

How To Prepare for Wildfires

If your home or business is in an area that is prone to wildfires, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the risk to people and property:

• Create a defensible space around your property that is cleared of all tall grass, brush, trees, and other vegetation, as well as rubbish.
• Use fire-resistant building materials like stucco or cement-board siding, tile roofing, and concrete where possible, and add fire-resistant screens to any air vents or intakes to keep out embers.
• Develop a disaster response and evacuation plan for your home or business, and practice them with your family or coworkers to make the process as smooth as possible if a disaster does occur.
• During wildfire season, avoid any outdoor activities that may accidentally spark a fire, stay up-to-date on weather forecasts so that you can prepare for possible fires, and if a wildfire does occur, stay informed, and follow all instructions from local authorities.

Action Restoration: Helping You Recover From Wildfires

When you need the most skilled, experienced team to help you recover from a wildfire, turn to experts at Action Restoration. We offer all the services necessary to get back on your feet and repair the damage after a fire, from damage assessment and cleanup services to fire damage repairs, smoke damage repairs, and full restorations.

Our company has over 25 years of experience dealing with fire damage and other disasters, and we are available 24/7 to respond quickly in an emergency. We serve the Gulf Coast Region of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, but we travel throughout the continental United States to help with disaster recovery.

Call (800) 218-9556 today to learn how our team at Action Restoration can get you back into your home or business faster after a fire with our full line of disaster recovery services.