At Central Marin Fire Department, our top priority is ensuring the safety of our community and neighbors during wildfire season. Wildfires can spread rapidly, and being prepared to act quickly is critical to protecting yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Below, we’ve outlined essential tips, tools, and resources to help you stay informed and ready.

Wildfire Evacuation: A Comprehensive Guide for Central Marin

Wildfires are an inherent risk in Marin County, and their dynamic nature requires every resident to be prepared to act quickly and decisively. Evacuation planning is one of the most effective ways to protect lives during wildfire emergencies. This page serves as your detailed guide to wildfire evacuation, tailored to the unique terrain and challenges of Central Marin.

Understanding Evacuations

Wildfires are dynamic and influenced by numerous factors, making their behavior challenging to predict without precise knowledge of the ignition point, weather conditions, and terrain at the time of the fire. This unpredictability underscores the importance of having a well-prepared evacuation plan that can be adapted to real-time conditions. Public safety officials issue three primary types of notifications:

• Evacuation Warning: Prepare to leave. A short delay to gather essentials may be permissible, but readiness to depart immediately is critical.
• Evacuation Order: Leave immediately. Do not delay for any reason. Follow all instructions from authorities.
• Shelter in Place: Stay in a safe location when evacuation is unsafe or unnecessary.

Knowing the difference between these notifications and being ready to act can save lives.

Key Principles for Safe Evacuation

1. Evacuate Downhill Whenever Possible: Fires move uphill rapidly due to wind and radiant heat.
2. Take the Shortest Route to Safety: Time is critical. Use the quickest route to the valley floor or a designated safe area.
3. Stay in Your Vehicle When Evacuating: Vehicles provide protection from smoke, radiant heat, and embers.
4. Know Two or More Routes: Familiarize yourself with multiple paths out of your area to ensure flexibility during an emergency.
5. Avoid Fire Roads and Open Space Areas: These routes often have unburned vegetation and are not designed for evacuation.
6. Dress to Protect Yourself, Even in Your Car: Wear cotton or wool clothing, long sleeves, and long pants. Sturdy shoes or boots, leather gloves, goggles, a floppy cotton hat, and a cotton face covering with an N95 mask provide additional protection.

Step 1: Prepare Before a Wildfire

Create an Evacuation Plan

Develop a personalized evacuation plan for your household. Consider the following:

• Map out primary and secondary evacuation routes.
• Designate a meeting point outside the affected area.
• Identify a communication plan with family members.

Fire Safe Marin offers a detailed guide to creating an evacuation plan.

Pack a Go Kit

Your "Go Kit" should include:

• Essential documents (IDs, insurance, etc.)
• Medications, eyeglasses, and personal items
• Clothing, water, and non-perishable food
• Flashlights, batteries, and a portable phone charger

Download the complete Evacuation Checklist for a detailed list.

Know Your Zone

Marin County is divided into evacuation zones to streamline emergency communication. Use the Genasys Protect platform to locate your zone and familiarize yourself with potential routes.

Step 2: Stay Informed

Emergency Notification Systems

• Alert Marin: Receive evacuation warnings and orders via phone, text, or email.
• Nixle: Get general updates, road closures, and community alerts.
• Social Media: Follow trusted sources like @marinsheriff and @marincountyfire for updates.

Watch Duty App

The Watch Duty app provides real-time wildfire updates from trained emergency professionals, including firefighters. It’s a trusted and free tool for residents to stay informed about wildfire activity.

PulsePoint App

The PulsePoint app alerts users to emergency incidents, including wildfires, and empowers those with medical training to assist nearby.

Alert Wildfire Cameras

Monitor active fires and smoke in real-time using the Alert Wildfire Camera Network.

Step 3: React Quickly During a Wildfire

When an Evacuation Warning is Issued

• Prepare your "Go Kit" and load it into your car.
• Notify family members of your plan.
• Place pets in carriers near the door.
• Stay updated through emergency notifications and social media.

When an Evacuation Order is Issued

• Leave immediately. Do not delay.
• Follow the instructions of public safety officials.
• Keep your vehicle windows closed and headlights on.
• Drive cautiously and defensively to avoid hazards.

Step 4: Practice Your Plan

Conduct Evacuation Drills

• Fire Safe Marin’s Practice Evacuation Guide provides step-by-step instructions for neighborhood evacuation drills.
• Practice driving your evacuation routes during the day and at night to identify potential obstacles.

Additional Resources

• Fire Safe Marin Evacuation Guide: Comprehensive preparation tips for your household.
• Evacuation Maps: Familiarize yourself with key routes in your area.
• Marin County Emergency Portal: Central hub for evacuation zones and updates.
• MWPA Evacuation Risk Assessment Tool: Insights into evacuation risks and safety planning.

FAQs: Evacuation in Central Marin

What if I don’t receive an evacuation order but feel unsafe?
You don’t need to wait for an official order to evacuate. If conditions seem dangerous, leave early.

How can I help neighbors who may have difficulty evacuating?
Assist elderly or disabled neighbors in preparing their evacuation plans. Offer transportation if needed.

What if roads are impassable?
If roads are blocked, shelter in place in a building, vehicle, or open area far from vegetation. Avoid abandoning your car on the road.

Contact Us

For questions or assistance with wildfire evacuation planning, contact the Central Marin Fire Department. We’re here to help you stay informed, prepared, and safe.

• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Phone: 415-927-5077

Together, we can protect our community and reduce wildfire risks.

Warm regards,

Central Marin Fire Department