Understanding the Wildfire Response Process

It is easy to think of 9-1-1 as a magic number, because all you have to do is dial it and then a bunch of people come rushing to the aid. But what is happening in the background while you are talking to the operator on the phone? This is an example of what will happen if you dial this summer to report a wildfire of any size, helping you understand the process and the roles of various emergency responders both seen and unseen.

When a wildfire threatens a home or a neighborhood, it can be a terrifying and confusing experience for residents. The first step in the wildfire response process is the 911 call that you make. The 911 dispatcher collects key information such as the location of the fire, its size, and any immediate threats to people or structures. This information is then relayed to the appropriate fire department and other emergency services. Do not worry about how long they are asking you questions – another dispatcher is sending help while the person is on the phone with you. The questions are not delaying anything.

Once the fire department receives the call from dispatch, firefighters and equipment begin responding to the scene. Many fire departments are paid-on-call, meaning that there may not be people at the station at the time of the call. The first responders on scene will assess the situation and determine the best course of action. They will consider factors such as the size and intensity of the fire, wind speed and direction, terrain, and nearby structures or communities at risk. They can call for more resources or might cancel some.

Depending on the severity of the wildfire, special resources may be called in such as air support from helicopters or air tankers. These aircraft can drop water or fire retardant to slow the spread of the flames, but they do not extinguish the fire. Ground crews will work to establish containment lines, which are strategically placed barriers that help prevent the fire from spreading further. These lines can be created by removing vegetation, digging trenches, or using natural features like rivers or rock outcroppings. It may also involve special tactics like starting backfires or calling in heavy equipment.

As firefighters fight the fire, local law enforcement and emergency management officials will begin the process of evacuating residents if necessary. They will determine which areas are at the greatest risk and issue evacuation orders accordingly. Residents should follow these orders to ensure their safety and allow firefighters to focus on combating the wildfire without worrying about rescuing people who have stayed behind.

During any evacuations, law enforcement officers will typically go door-to-door to notify residents and ensure that everyone has left the area safely. They may also set up roadblocks to prevent people from entering the evacuation zone. Emergency shelters will be established to provide a safe place for evacuees to stay until the danger has passed. In Alaska, residents have a Constitutionally protected right to not leave (there is no such thing as a mandatory evacuation in Alaska), but responders will do everything to make you understand the risks and why you are being asked to escape.

The whole time, communication is key. Emergency officials will provide regular updates to the public through various channels such as social media, news outlets, and emergency alert systems. Some agencies use services like Nixle that can send you an app notification of emergencies and instructions. These updates will include information about the fire's progress, evacuation orders, and any other critical details that residents need to know. You can sign up for Nixle based on your ZIP Code and it will show you the local agencies you can sign up for.

Once the wildfire is contained and the danger has passed, residents will be allowed to return to their homes. Be prepared for this process to be gradual, though, as emergency officials will need to ensure that the area is safe.

In the aftermath of a wildfire, the community will come together to support one another and begin the process of rebuilding. This may involve cleaning up debris, repairing damaged structures, and aiding those who have lost their homes or possessions. Local government agencies and non-profit organizations will often step in with resources and help.

Christian M. Hartley is a 40-year Alaskan resident with over 25 years of public safety experience and public service. He runs a freelance business, Big Lake Writer, from home in Big Lake that he shares with his wife of 19 years and their three teenage sons.