5 Safety Tips when Returning Home After a Wildfire Evacuation

Being told you can finally return home after a wildfire evacuation is often met with happiness and relief, but also uncertainty. In my 30 years of working with evacuees, I’ve seen how important it is to take those first hours that you are back very slowly and carefully.

Every wildfire is different, and so is every re-entry. Your home may be intact, but the area around it could still hold hidden dangers. Here are 5 Safety Tips to help you return safely and protect your family's and pets' health, property, and peace of mind.

Always check the website of the community you are evacuated from, as they may have specific information you may need to follow.

1. Inspect Your Home Before Entering

Before you step inside:

• Look for unstable structures, fire damage, or fallen trees.

• Watch for ash pits, holes left by burned stumps or trees that can stay dangerously hot for days or weeks.

• Mark any ash pits you find and warn family and neighbours to avoid them.

2. Be Mindful of “Danger Trees”

Trees damaged by fire can fall without warning.

• Keep a safe distance from any trees that are burned or leaning.

• Consider having a professional assessment before doing yard work or repairs near them.

3. Check Power and Appliances

If your home was without electricity for more than 48 hours:

• Perishable food may be unsafe — when in doubt, throw it out.

• Frozen food that has thawed – should be thrown out

• Follow your Health Unit for cleaning and disposal tips.

• Wash fridges and freezers thoroughly before restocking.

Tip: One evacuee I spoke with knew her power was on because on her phone, she could see that  SnapperBot (robot vacuum) had been cleaning while she was away — clever, but not a substitute for a proper check.

4. Document Damage Before You Clean

For insurance or disaster assistance:

• Take photos and videos of each room before moving anything.

• Include close-ups of smoke, soot, water damage, and any burned or heat-damaged items.

• Don’t forget sheds, fences, and outdoor structures.

5. Take Care of Your Family and Pets

Re-entry can bring up mixed emotions: relief, grief, frustration, or anxiety.

• Give yourself time to adjust.

• Talk to friends, family, neighbours or support agencies.

• Visit resiliency centres for resources and guidance.

• Keep pets on a leash till you are confident your yard is safe

Final Thought

Coming home after a wildfire evacuation is a milestone, but it’s not the end of the recovery journey. Take it slow, ensure you follow local guidance, and put safety first  - for yourself, your family, your pets, and your community.

And if your robot vacuum was working overtime while you were gone, consider it a little “welcome home” from your appliances.

Meet Jackie Kloosterboer

With over 30 years of frontline experience in emergency preparedness and disaster response, I’ve helped thousands of families, communities, and organizations prepare for the unexpected—and recover when it strikes. From wildfires and floods to large-scale evacuations, I know firsthand what works when every second counts.

I’ve led emergency response efforts with the City of Vancouver, partnered with First Nations communities across B.C., and taught future responders through the Justice Institute of British Columbia. I’m also the founder of Mom’s Ultimate Disaster Plan —an online course designed to help busy families feel confident, informed, and ready to take action when it matters most.

My mission is simple: to make sure your family is ready before the disaster strikes!