Residents of the western United States, especially in suburban areas are at an increased risk of being in the wrong path of a wildfire. Smokey Bear (it is officially "Smokey Bear" and not "Smokey THE Bear" according to the Forest Service) has been warning generations of Americans how to prevent wildfires, but people in fire-prone areas may want to know if there's more they can do to protect their homes, should wildfires approach.

The best way to survive a wildfire is to evacuate before the fire approaches. Sometimes, you do not have that luxury. Here are some tips on what to do if you are suddenly in the dangerous position of being in a wildfire.

Here are some interesting facts about wildfires:

Here's a reference to important wildfire terms:

Nearly every state has been devastated by wildfires in the last century. More than 140,000 wildfires occur on average each year. Since 1990, more than 900 homes have been destroyed each year by wildfires. So, what can you do to protect yourself, your home and property from wildfires? This guide will help you understand why your home is at risk and how you can reduce the risk to your home and property.