Flathead Wildfire Prep Checklist

Printable template from Frontcountry (Path 7 Template Shop)

Version: 2026-09-10 · Flathead County / Glacier corridor households & lodging

Use: Print or save to phone. Fill blanks. Review every spring and when Red Flag / evacuation notices go up.

Rule: This is a planning checklist, not firefighting advice. Always follow official Flathead County / local fire / law-enforcement orders and alerts. Do not wait for a perfect checklist if authorities say go.

Who this is for

• Homeowners and renters in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, West Glacier corridor, and nearby foothills
• Short-term rental / cabin hosts who want one honest page for themselves and a guest tear-off
• Families who keep meaning to pack a go-bag and never finish

Not for: Fighting fire, evaluating insurance coverage, or predicting where a fire will move.

1) Know your place (do this once, update yearly)

• [ ] Write your full address + GPS / What3Words (if you use it): ____________________
• [ ] Nearest cross street / landmark for responders: ____________________
• [ ] Primary evacuation route from this driveway: ____________________
• [ ] Alternate route if primary is blocked: ____________________
• [ ] Meeting place outside the neighborhood (not just “in town”): ____________________
• [ ] Out-of-area contact (someone who won’t lose local cell): name + phone ____________________
• [ ] Pets / livestock count + carriers / trailers needed: ____________________
• [ ] Who needs help to evacuate (kids, elders, mobility): ____________________
• [ ] Gate codes / lockbox / spare key location known to household: ____________________
• [ ] Propane / fuel tank location marked for responders if asked: ____________________

Host add-on: Paste a one-line “If county alerts say evacuate, leave keys in lockbox and text host” into your guest book.

2) Defensible-space & structure basics (spring + mid-summer)

Follow local fire-department guidance for your zone; this is a reminder list, not a code inspection.

• [ ] Clear needles, leaves, and dry debris from roof, gutters, and within 5 ft of structure
• [ ] Move firewood / lumber stacks away from the building (not under eaves)
• [ ] Trim low branches that ladder into the crown near the house (hire help if needed)
• [ ] Mow / maintain grass in the immediate zone around structures when fire season is active
• [ ] Check screens on vents; note damaged screens for repair
• [ ] Confirm hose reaches critical sides of the house; know shutoffs
• [ ] Photograph property (rooms + exterior) for records — store copies in cloud and off-site
• [ ] Know where gas / propane / electrical shutoffs are; label them
• [ ] Confirm driveway clearance for emergency vehicles (width, overhangs, address visible)

3) Go-bag (72-hour minimum — pack before you need it)

Keep in a grab-and-go bin by the usual exit. Check expiration dates every spring.

Documents & money

• [ ] IDs / licenses (copies OK in bag; originals if you must leave fast)
• [ ] Insurance + mortgage / lease contacts (paper or encrypted USB + cloud)
• [ ] Medical cards + medication list
• [ ] Cash in small bills + one payment card
• [ ] USB or print of critical docs (titles, deeds pointers, pet records)

Health & people

• [ ] 3+ days of prescription meds + copies of scripts
• [ ] Glasses / contacts / hearing aids + batteries
• [ ] First-aid kit + any critical devices (inhaler, EpiPen, CPAP if portable)
• [ ] N95 / better masks for smoke days
• [ ] Infant / elder supplies if applicable

Clothes & comfort

• [ ] Change of clothes + closed-toe shoes per person
• [ ] Light layers + rain shell (smoke camps get cold overnight)
• [ ] Hats, gloves, eye protection
• [ ] Chargers + power bank (charged monthly)

Pets

• [ ] Carrier / leash / muzzle if needed
• [ ] 3 days food + water bowl
• [ ] Meds + vaccination record photo
• [ ] Familiar blanket / toy

Water & food (household staging, not only the bag)

• [ ] Water plan: ___ gallons staged (goal often cited: ~1 gal/person/day for several days — confirm what your household needs)
• [ ] Non-perishable food that doesn’t need much cooking
• [ ] Manual can opener if cans are part of the plan

4) Vehicles & fuel

• [ ] Keep at least a half tank during active fire / Red Flag stretches when practical
• [ ] Store a small go-kit in each regularly used vehicle (water, mask, charger, paper map)
• [ ] Paper atlas / offline map of Flathead + alternate highways (cell dies)
• [ ] Know trailer / hitch status if you would haul animals or gear
• [ ] Decide now which car leaves first if you only have minutes

5) When Red Flag / smoke / nearby fire starts (same-day actions)

• [ ] Turn on official alert sources you trust (county emergency / local fire / weather) — not only social media rumors
• [ ] Charge phones + power banks; pack go-bag into the car if risk is rising
• [ ] Stage pets’ carriers by the door
• [ ] Move flammable patio cushions / trash / grill propane per local guidance if you have time
• [ ] Close windows; set HVAC recirculate if you use it for smoke (follow manufacturer / local health advice)
• [ ] Text out-of-area contact your plan: stay / ready / leaving
• [ ] Photograph current property condition if safe and quick
• [ ] Know: if ordered to evacuate, go — do not re-enter for “one more load” against orders

6) Evacuation order — leave checklist (minutes)

• [ ] People accounted for
• [ ] Pets in carriers / loaded
• [ ] Go-bags + meds in vehicle
• [ ] Keys / wallet / phone / charger
• [ ] Windows/doors closed (do not lock responders out if local guidance says leave accessible — follow local instruction)
• [ ] Drive your pre-chosen route; headlights on; no shortcuts through unknown smoke columns
• [ ] Check in with out-of-area contact when clear

Leave behind (do not risk life for): boats, non-essential furniture, “I’ll just grab the…” items.

7) Guest / lodging tear-off (hosts paste your details)

Hosts: fill blanks. Do not invent evacuation routes or fire behavior. Point guests to official channels.

• Property address: ____________________
• Host emergency phone: ____________________
• Primary drive-out direction from this driveway: ____________________
• Guest meeting note if separated: ____________________
• Official alert source we follow: ____________________
• If you smell heavy smoke or see nearby flame: call 911, then text host, then follow official orders
• Go-bag for guests: we do / do not provide masks & water at: ____________________

8) After-event / return (only when authorities say it is safe)

• [ ] Wait for official re-entry permission
• [ ] Watch for downed lines, hot spots, ash pits, weakened trees
• [ ] Document damage with photos before major cleanup (for your records / insurer)
• [ ] Do not idle generators indoors or in enclosed spaces
• [ ] Check food safety if power was out; when in doubt, throw out
• [ ] Debrief household: what was missing from the go-bag? Update this checklist

Disclaimer

Frontcountry provides planning templates for households and lodging operators. We are not a fire department, not an emergency management agency, and not an insurer. Fire behavior, air quality, and evacuation rules change. Follow current official Flathead County / local fire / law-enforcement / public-health guidance for your location and date.

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