During a wildfire | Mesa County

Evacuation orders for Mesa County

There are no evacuation orders currently in Mesa County

Stay tuned to your local radio and television stations for evacuation updates.
Seal attic and ground vents.
Close all doors inside your home to prevent drafts.
Wet your roof and shrubs within 15 feet of your home.
Notify relatives and local officials that you have left your home and where you can be reached.
Turn on outside lights and leave a light on in every room.
- This allows the home to be more visible in heavy smoke.
Turn off the gas and pilot lights.

Mesa County uses an Emergency Notification System to provide essential information quickly during an emergency.
Landlines are automatically signed up for the Emergency Notification System.
Cell phone users need to sign up.

When a pre-evacuation order is issued, follow these checklists (if time allows) to give your home the best chance of surviving a wildfire.

Have your Emergency Supply Kit/Evacuation Bag ready to go.
Ensure a Wildfire Action Plan is prepared ahead of time.
Make sure you know your community’s emergency response plan and have a plan on where to go when it is time to evacuate and the best routes for leaving your location.
Shut all windows and doors, leaving them unlocked.
Remove flammable window shades and curtains and close metal shutters.
Remove lightweight curtains.
Move flammable furniture to the center of the room, away from windows and doors.
Shut off the gas at the meter; turn off the pilot lights.
Leave your lights on so firefighters can see your house under smoky conditions.
Shut off the air conditioning.

Gather up flammable items from the house's exterior and bring them inside (patio furniture, children’s toys, door mats, trash cans, etc.) or place them in your pool.
Turn off propane tanks.
Move propane BBQ appliances away from structures.
Connect garden hoses to outside water valves or spigots for use by firefighters. Fill water buckets and place them around the house.
Don’t leave sprinklers on or water running. That can affect critical water pressure.
Leave exterior lights on so your home is visible to firefighters in the smoke or darkness of the night.
Put your Emergency Supply Kit in your vehicle.
Back your car into the driveway with the vehicle loaded and all doors and windows closed. Carry your car keys with you.
Have a ladder available and place it at the corner of the house for firefighters to quickly access your roof.
Seal attic and ground vents with pre-cut plywood or commercial seals.
Patrol your property and monitor the fire situation. Don’t wait for an evacuation order if you feel threatened.
Check on neighbors and make sure they are preparing to leave.

Locate your pets and keep them nearby.
Prepare farm animals for transport and consider moving them to a safe location early.
If you need assistance evacuating or sheltering livestock, call (970) 244-1835.
Learn more

Provided by the Ready for Wildfire website.

If you need assistance with evacuating, please 911.

Review your Evacuation Plan Checklist.
Ensure your Emergency Supply Kit is in your vehicle.
Cover-up to protect against heat and flying embers.
- Long pants and long sleeve shirt - 100% cotton is preferable
- Heavy shoes/boots
- Cap and dry bandanna for face cover
- Goggles or glasses
Locate your pets and take them with you.

If you need help with evacuating or sheltering livestock, please 970-244-1835.

Leave as soon as an evacuation order is issued.

Evacuate the area as soon as possible
- Helps firefighters keep roads clear of congestion
- Lets firefighters move more freely to do their job
- In an intense wildfire, they will not have time to knock on every door.
If you are advised to leave, don’t hesitate!

Officials will determine the areas to be evacuated and escape routes to use depending on

You will be advised of potential evacuations as early as possible.

You must take the initiative to stay informed and aware.
Listen to your radio/TV for law enforcement and emergency personnel announcements
You may be directed to temporary assembly areas to await transfer to a safe location.
All evacuation instructions provided by officials should be followed immediately for your safety.
Do not return to your home until it is determined to be safe.
Notification that it is safe to return home will be given as soon as possible, considering safety and accessibility.

Provided by the Ready for Wildfire website.