Wildfires continue to threaten communities in the West, including Washington State, and across the United States. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, more than 45,000 wildfires have burned over 5.2 million acres across the U.S. in 2026 alone, making this one of the most active wildfire seasons in recent years. As wildfire risk expands beyond traditionally vulnerable areas and increasingly affects suburban and urban communities, taking proactive steps today can make all the difference in protecting your home, family, business, and financial future, while simplifying recovery if a disaster occurs.

Venbrook is here to help you navigate disaster recovery with ease. For additional FAQs, resources, and support, visit our Disaster Recovery site.

 

Table of Contents

 

Why Wildfire Preparation Matters

Wildfires can spread rapidly, leaving little time to gather belongings, protect your home, or locate important documents. While no one can eliminate risk entirely, homeowners and renters can significantly improve their readiness by creating an evacuation plan, documenting property, and reducing hazards around the home.

The most effective wildfire recovery efforts often begin long before an evacuation order is issued.

 

Build a Wildfire Go Bag Before You Need It

A well-stocked emergency go bag should be ready to grab at a moment's notice.

Essential Documents

  • Identification (Driver's licenses and passports)
  • Insurance policies
  • Home inventory records
  • Property deeds or lease agreements
  • Medical records and prescriptions
  • Emergency contact information

Necessities

  • Three days of clothing
  • Medications
  • Phone chargers and power banks
  • Flashlights and batteries
  • Bottled water and snacks
  • Cash and credit cards

Family & Pet Items

  • Baby supplies
  • Pet food and medications
  • Leashes, carriers, and vaccination records
  • Comfort items for children

Pro Tip: Store digital copies of important documents in a secure cloud account accessible from anywhere.

 

Document Your Home Before a Loss Occurs

One of the most valuable things homeowners can do today takes less than 30 minutes.

Walk Through Your Home With Your Phone

Record video of:

  • Every room
  • Closets and storage areas
  • Electronics
  • Furniture
  • Appliances
  • Jewelry and valuables
  • Garages, sheds, and outbuildings

Pro Tip: Open drawers and cabinets while recording. (Or add this line to the above Record video of line.)

Save Receipts and Records

Keep:

  • Major purchase receipts
  • Appliance serial numbers
  • Home improvement invoices
  • Photos of renovations

These records can be extremely helpful if you ever need to file an insurance claim after a wildfire.

Pro Tip: Store digital copies of these receipts in a secure cloud account accessible from anywhere.

 

Reduce Wildfire Risk Around Your Property

Creating defensible space can help reduce the chance of a fire reaching your home.

Around the property:

  • Clear dead leaves, branches, and debris
  • Keep gutters clean
  • Trim tree branches away from roofs
  • Move firewood away from structures
  • Remove dry brush and overgrown vegetation
  • Maintain a well-watered landscape when possible

Create Defensible Space

Leave adequate clearance between vegetation and structures to help slow advancing flames and provide firefighters with safer access to your property.

Even small maintenance projects completed throughout the year can reduce wildfire exposure.

Read our “Private Client: Risk Mitigation Resources” for information on risk solutions for you, your family, and your property.

 

Review Your Insurance Coverage Annually

Many homeowners do not review their insurance policies until after a disaster occurs. Consider reviewing:

  • Dwelling coverage limits
  • Personal property coverage
  • Additional living expense coverage
  • Replacement cost provisions
  • Deductibles

An annual policy review can help ensure that coverage reflects current rebuilding costs and the value of household belongings.

Not sure if your current homeowners' insurance provides adequate protection? Understanding coverage gaps before disaster strikes is just as important as preparing an emergency plan. Read our Private Client Policies & Coverage Glossary guide on evaluating homeowners' insurance coverage and protecting your property from unexpected losses

Pro Tip: Set a task reminder for June 28, National Insurance Awareness Day, and use it as your yearly reminder to review current insurance policies, close coverage gaps, and align your protection with your lifestyle.

 

If a Wildfire Threatens Your Area

If evacuation orders are issued:

Leave Early

Do not wait until conditions worsen.

Take Your Go Bag

Bring your Go Bag that contains all items listed in Build a Wildfire Go Bag Before You Need It

Notify Family Members

Make sure relatives know:

  • Your evacuation destination
  • Emergency contact information
  • Alternative meeting locations

Monitor local emergency management agencies and fire officials for updates and evacuation instructions. If evacuation orders are issued, follow official guidance.

 

What to Do After a Wildfire

If your property is damaged, begin the claims process as soon as it’s safe. 

  • Contact your insurance carrier as soon as possible.
  • Take photos and videos of damage before cleanup begins.
  • Keep all receipts for temporary housing and emergency expenses.
  • Create a file folder for all claim-related communications.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited contractors and cleanup services.
  • Keep detailed records throughout the recovery process.

Good documentation often helps streamline the claims process and supports accurate claim settlements.

Our "Understanding the Claims Process: Key Players & Their Roles" can help you understand what happens after a disaster.

 

Looking for more guidance on navigating wildfire recovery?

Our detailed “Next Steps: Where to Start after a fire” resource outlines important steps to take after a disaster, including documenting losses, understanding insurance claims, working with adjusters, and accessing recovery assistance programs. 


Prepared Today, Stronger Tomorrow

Wildfires can be unpredictable, but preparation doesn't have to be. Building a go bag, documenting your property, reviewing insurance coverage, and maintaining defensible space are simple steps that can make a meaningful difference before, during, and after a wildfire.

By preparing today, you can help protect what matters most tomorrow.