Can You Survive a Wildfire?
Written by Pamela Mooman
Last updated · 15 min play time
Test your readiness and ability to survive dangerous wildfires with this smoking-hot quiz.
If you were faced with the danger and unpredictability of a wildfire, would you know how to live through it? This quiz tests your knowledge of how to survive fearsome blazes that start in the wilderness and spread like, well, wildfire.
Quiz written by
Pamela MoomanWildfire Survival Skills Quiz Questions
30 Questions · 1.3K Plays · 1 Comment
Question 1
If you do stay in your home as a wildfire approaches, what do you need plenty of?
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AWater
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BBeer
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CFood
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DBatteries
Water
Fill every possible container, including bathtubs, sinks, and buckets, with water.
Question 2
Wildfires, most often caused by lightning or uncaring humans, create their own heat, which helps them spread. What is the biggest danger for structures in the vicinity of a wildfire?
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ABurning embers
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BDangerous smoke and fumes
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CRaging flames pushed forward by winds aloft
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DStampedes of panicked animals trying to escape the fire
Burning embers
Burning embers from wildfires can travel as far as 1.5 miles away from the source blaze. They can ignite entire areas extremely quickly.
Question 3
What natural factors make wildfires so difficult to control?
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AInability to break through heavy brush and lack of knowledge about the location of flames
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BHigh temperatures, drought, and low humidity
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CDestructive humans and their cruel intentions
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DFlammable roof tiles and non-fire-retardant construction materials
High temperatures, drought, and low humidity
Three conditions that make wildfires extremely difficult to control and put out are high temperatures, drought, and low humidity.
Question 4
What do experts mean when they refer to a "home ignition zone" in reference to wildfires?
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AThe official limits of cities and towns
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BA space of 30 to 100 feet around a house
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CFrom the mailbox by the road to the front door
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DFrom front and back porches to inside the structure
A space of 30 to 100 feet around a house
Experts use the term "home ignition zone" to refer to an area of 30 to 100 feet around a house that buffers the structure from the flames and can be defended.
Question 5
If you are in a wildfire-prone area, how do you begin to create a safe zone around your home?
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APut netting over everything.
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BStore flammable materials, including chemicals as well as wood and brushy plants, at least 30 feet from your home, and trim trees and low branches.
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CBuild a wood fence around your property.
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DProtect your lawns and home in a plastic cover, rather like Mad Max's Thunderdome.
Store flammable materials, including chemicals as well as wood and brushy plants, at least 30 feet from your home, and trim trees and low branches.
Homeowners should keep an area of at least 30 feet clear of all flammable materials, whether chemical or natural, such as wood piles and brush.
Question 6
Because preparation is one of the keys to wildfire survival, once the area around your home is trimmed and cleared, what other steps can you take to further defend your property--and possibly your life?
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APut up a sign reading "Save this property," and during a fire, use a bullhorn to contact firefighters.
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BInstall a rock or stone wall around your property, and if able, reroof with composition material, metal, or tile.
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CWet everything down every 20 minutes.
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DInstall an 8-foot-tall pine fence around your property and teach others they should always put out campfires.
Install a rock or stone wall around your property, and if able, reroof with composition material, metal, or tile.
To help deflect flames from your property, install a rock or stone wall around it, and if able, re-roof with composition material, metal, or tile.
Question 7
Once you have prepared your property for disastrous blazes, how do you personally ready yourself and your family for potential danger?
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AShop for stylish new clothes so you can look fashionable no matter what.
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BBuy lots of beer and an extra phone charger.
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CLet others know not to telephone you if they hear of a wildfire in your vicinity because you will be too busy monitoring the situation to accept calls.
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DPut an emergency supply kit in a backpack for each person who might need to escape.
Put an emergency supply kit in a backpack for each person who might need to escape.
Make a wildfire survival package for yourself and each person who may need to escape. Backpacks make carrying these personal supplies easy.
Question 8
What are important items to have in the event of a wildfire evacuation?
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AMap, medications, clothing, cash and/or credit cards, important documents, and pet supplies, including food and water
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BToiletries and hair styling supplies so you will look your best away from home
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CBooks, a book light, and a soft blanket
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DLots of beer and/or wine and a battery-powered television so you can stay entertained
Map, medications, clothing, cash and/or credit cards, important documents, and pet supplies, including food and water
Before an emergency, those in wildfire-prone areas should gather the most important items needed for basic survival, including supplies for four-legged family members, so that each family member can grab their kit and go in the event of an evacuation.
Question 9
If you must escape a wildfire, how much food and water for each person and animal companion should you bring with you?
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AOne-day supply
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BFive-week supply
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CTwo-month supply
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DThree-day supply
Three-day supply
A three-day supply of food and water allows for a cushion of escape time for you, your family, and your animal companions yet is still light enough to be easily managed if gathered together ahead of time.
Question 10
If you have waited to evacuate until a wildfire is near to your residence, what is the safest course of action?
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ACall 9-1-1 and ask for emergency help.
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BLeave anyway, no matter how close the blaze.
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COrganize a group of people to form a sort of human shield and defense line.
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DStay inside your home.
Stay inside your home.
If you have waited to evacuate and a firestorm is approaching your dwelling, smoke and radiant heat make trying to escape in a vehicle extremely dangerous. Experts say the best course of action at this point is to stay inside your home.
Question 11
You are in a vehicle and the wildfire front is looming near with heavy smoke billowing over the road. What are the immediate measures you should take to continue driving as safely as possible?
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AAbandon your vehicle and run.
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BCrank heavy metal music and drive as fast as possible, smoke or no.
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CStop in the road.
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DSlow down, watch for escaping people, livestock, and wildlife, do not drive through heavy smoke, and keep the radio on for news.
Slow down, watch for escaping people, livestock, and wildlife, do not drive through heavy smoke, and keep the radio on for news.
If you are caught out in a vehicle and the fire front's arrival is imminent, stay abreast of the fire's location through radio reports. Be on the lookout for others also escaping the flames, and slow way down. If smoke has obliterated visibility, do not continue forward.
Question 12
The fire front has arrived, and you are caught in your vehicle. What steps should you take?
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ATurn off your vehicle, and phone everyone you know.
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BPhone emergency services to ask for rescue.
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CKeep the vehicle running, put the air conditioning on recirculation, roll up all windows, and close all vents.
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DAbandon your vehicle and run.
Keep the vehicle running, put the air conditioning on recirculation, roll up all windows, and close all vents.
If the fire front has arrived, immediate survival is now your priority. Stop your car but do not turn it off, and protect your oxygen supply from the deadly smoke and vapors outside.
Question 13
Whether you evacuate or stay during a wildfire, what are recommended steps to take in your home's interior to help protect it from wildfire?
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AClose windows and doors, remove window dressings, move furniture away from windows and doors, and turn off gas at the meter.
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BClean thoroughly, close all curtains and blinds, and unplug appliances.
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CCover your furniture with plastic and wet everything down.
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DNothing, as you should focus all efforts on the outside.
Close windows and doors, remove window dressings, move furniture away from windows and doors, and turn off gas at the meter.
To make your home's interior less likely to catch fire, you should close windows and doors, remove window dressings, move furniture away from windows and doors, and turn off gas at the meter.
Question 14
Why do experts recommend you leave interior lights on in your home during a wildfire?
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AIf your home is going to burn, you may as well get the last use from your interior lights.
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BLighted interiors create more cheerful conditions, giving everyone courage.
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CFirefighters are able to see your dwelling, even in smoke.
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DYou can see where you are going, even in thick smoke.
Firefighters are able to see your dwelling, even in smoke.
Leaving your interior lights on helps firefighters see your house in the dark smoke created by wildfires.
Question 15
There is a philosophy regarding wildfires called "stay and defend." To be successful with this strategy and survive, what four elements do homeowners need?
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AFaith, hope, a manicured lawn, and a clean interior
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BFood, water, a plastic suit when going outside, and a battery-operated radio
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CGood neighbors, plenty of food, a water hose and shovel, and lots of beer
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DKnowledge of fire fighting, readiness, prepared defensible space around the home, and mental preparedness
Knowledge of fire fighting, readiness, prepared defensible space around the home, and mental preparedness
Experts and experienced firefighters agree that most people should evacuate early when a wildfire is approaching, because the "stay and defend" theory only works when homeowners have knowledge of fire fighting, readiness, prepared defensible space around the home, and mental preparedness.
Question 16
Your house is in a wildfire-prone area. In addition to preparing a defensible space around your home's exterior, what other step will help protect your dwelling?
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ADig a trench around your property.
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BUse nonflammable paint on the exterior.
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CSpread lots of mulch around your house.
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DInstall 1/8-inch screens over all vents to keep embers out.
Install 1/8-inch screens over all vents to keep embers out.
Installing 1/8-inch screens over all vents in your house can help keep embers out of the attic and other openings.
Question 17
If you live in a wildfire zone and may have to face evacuation, what practical steps do you need to have in place before evacuation is necessary?
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ASpecify who will call 9-1-1 and who will buy lots of camping gear at the local sporting goods shop.
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BPlan a place to shelter and designate a meeting place if you and your family are separated.
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CWrite a grocery list and buy a phone charger for your vehicle.
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DKnow hours of your bank and closest grocery store so you can get money and food quickly.
Plan a place to shelter and designate a meeting place if you and your family are separated.
Before evacuation is necessary, you should plan a place to shelter. If you have animal companions, this place must accept them. If you and your family are separated when an evacuation is called, you should also designate a meeting place.
Question 18
What important documents should you pack in your wildfire survival kit?
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ABills and credit card statements
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BAny advertisements about new homes, because you might need one after the fire
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CInsurance papers, passports, birth certificates, and licenses
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DRed Cross fliers, because you could need help
Insurance papers, passports, birth certificates, and licenses
When putting together your wildfire survival kit to take with you if you evacuate, include insurance papers, passports, birth certificates, and licenses.
Question 19
You should designate a safe room, away from windows if possible, if you stay during a wildfire. In addition to food and water, what are some other items you should keep in this room?
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ATelevision and comfortable furniture for lounging
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BFire extinguisher, shovel, axe, gloves, and sturdy clothing and shoes
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CWood furniture you can hide behind and use to cover windows
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DBlankets and cotton bed sheets with which to cover yourself
Fire extinguisher, shovel, axe, gloves, and sturdy clothing and shoes
Your safe room should contain a fire extinguisher, shovel, axe, gloves, and sturdy clothing and shoes, in addition to food and water for yourself, your family, and your animal companions, who also should be in the safe room with you.
Question 20
Wildfires are unpredictable. If you are evacuating and get caught in your vehicle and must stop driving, where is the safest place to park?
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AWhere you stop
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BTurn around and try to outrun the fire in your vehicle
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CBehind a solid structure
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DUnder a tree
Behind a solid structure
Park behind a solid structure, if possible, because it will block radiant heat, which can be extremely dangerous.
Question 21
The wildfire is imminent, and you are trapped in your vehicle. Resisting the urge to panic and run, what should you do?
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APhone absent family members and friends.
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BGet on the floor, cover yourself with natural fibers, and drink water if you have it.
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CCall for help and watch the flames approach.
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DCall a radio station to provide a live update on the wildfire's location.
Get on the floor, cover yourself with natural fibers, and drink water if you have it.
As the wildfire front approaches, you should get on the floor, cover yourself with natural fibers, and drink water if you have it. Never cover yourself with synthetic materials, as they are highly flammable and readily melt, which can cause serious burns.
Question 22
Once the wildfire front has passed your vehicle and the immediate danger is over, it is time to move. If your vehicle is not operational, you need to get out and walk to find help. What is a big danger now, especially if you are on foot?
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ABurning trees that may drop branches
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BFrightened wildlife and livestock
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CAngry insects that may swarm
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DSudden and unexpected lightning
Burning trees that may drop branches
Burning trees may drop branches that could hurt or even kill you and anyone with you.
Question 23
If you are caught by a wildfire while on foot, either camping or hiking, what is the first thing you should attend to in order to raise your odds of survival?
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AYour mental state
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BCalling the police
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CDrinking a bottle of water
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DEnsuring your shoes are tied so you will not trip when you run
Your mental state
Your mental state is a vital factor that determines whether you will be able to stay alive if facing a wildfire on foot. Panic only decreases your chances of surviving. You must be able to think clearly.
Question 24
Since you must protect your airways in order to survive, what are two steps to take that can help you stay alive and escape?
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AScream for help and hide behind a tree.
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BDrink a bottle of water and run as fast as possible.
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CDouse yourself with water and squat behind the largest rock you can find.
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DStay as low to the ground as possible and cover your nose and mouth with wet cloth.
Stay as low to the ground as possible and cover your nose and mouth with wet cloth.
To protect your airway, you should physically cover your nose and mouth with wet material, and stay as low as possible to breathe the cleanest air available.
Question 25
If you are threatened by a wildfire while on foot, what are the most dangerous places to be?
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AUphill from the fire and downwind of the blaze
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BAnywhere outside
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CUnder trees and near shrubs and bushes
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DIn front of the approaching flames
Uphill from the fire and downwind of the blaze
The most dangerous places to be in a wildfire are uphill or downwind of it. You should try to stay upwind of it at all times so the breezes can blow the flames away from you.
Question 26
Use the wind as your guide if threatened by a wildfire while on foot. If the wind is blowing toward the fire and past you, which direction should you run?
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ASideways, parallel with the flames
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BStop, drop, and roll
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CInto the wind
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DWith the wind, toward the flames
Into the wind
If the wind is blowing past you and toward the flames, running into the wind means you are running away from the fire, which the wind is blowing away from you.
Question 27
Again using the wind as a guide to the best way to escape a wildfire on foot, if the wind is blowing toward you and is behind the flames, fanning them forward, what should you do?
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ATurn your back on the wildfire and run as fast as you can.
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BRun perpendicular to the flames.
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CSquat behind the largest boulder you can find.
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DDial 9-1-1 repeatedly, asking for helicopter evacuation.
Run perpendicular to the flames.
Run perpendicular to the flames to avoid running ahead and possibly getting caught by new fires started by flying sparks. You never want to become surrounded by the fire.
Question 28
If escaping a wildfire on foot, where should you head?
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AThe nearest road
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BAn area free of trees and brush, a body of water, or an area that has already burned
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CThe closest truck stop or service station
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DTo your tent, covering yourself with your sleeping bag
An area free of trees and brush, a body of water, or an area that has already burned
You should run toward an area free of trees and brush, a body of water, or an area that has already burned.
Question 29
The wildfire danger has passed your home, and you can return. What are some immediate steps to take?
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AInspect the roof for embers, put out spot fires around your house, and establish a 24-hour rotating fire watch among family members.
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BRelieve your stress with a hot bath, beer or wine, and some television.
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CCall family and friends.
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DMove furniture back into place, put up window coverings, and clean the house.
Inspect the roof for embers, put out spot fires around your house, and establish a 24-hour rotating fire watch among family members.
When you return home after a wildfire, inspect the roof for embers, put out spot fires around your house, and establish a 24-hour rotating fire watch among family members.
Question 30
What does fire need to burn?
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ASparks
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BMatches
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CFlammable substances such as chemicals
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DHeat, oxygen, and fuel
Heat, oxygen, and fuel
All wildfires need to burn are heat, oxygen, and fuel. You can prepare your home and reduce at least the element of fuel.
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Very informative!!!