Wildfires are an increasing risk across the country, especially in rural areas. Preparing for possible wildfires includes thinking about how and where we build, how we manage the landscape around us, particularly around structures, and having a plan if a wildfire approaches.
To reduce the chances that pesticides and other toxic chemicals are burned if a property is impacted by wildfire, consider the following tips:
- Only buy the amount of pesticide or other chemical that you will need in the near future. For example, only buy the amount of pesticide that you will need for the season.
- Take unneeded pesticides and other chemicals to household hazardous waste collection sites as soon as possible. Avoid letting them pile up.
- Store pesticide products in a locked cabinet away from other hazardous substances.
- Products that come in paper bags or brittle containers may be stored in larger bins or tubs to help contain leaks and spills in case of a disaster.
- Keep a record of all toxic substances and the quantities of each in your home. This includes pesticides, paints, industrial cleaners, and other materials. This information can help remediation and restoration if your home is damaged in a fire.
- Find out if your community has a plan for disaster debris. If not, consider helping to create one.
If you have been affected by a wildfire, consider the following tips to reduce risk of chemical exposure from pesticides and other hazardous substances:
- Stay away from burned areas and do not re-enter any damaged structures until the authorities give you permission to return.
- If your home is affected by wildfire, find out if assistance is available before you begin cleanup. Contact your state environmental agency.
- Take steps to stay safe and avoid exposure to toxic debris if you are doing cleanup around a structure damaged by fire.
- If you are cleaning up ash around an unburned structure, follow precautions to reduce exposure risks. Ash may be contaminated with the materials that burned, and those materials may have released new toxic chemicals.
- Never combine chemicals that may be leaking from damaged containers. This can cause chemical reactions that could be very dangerous. Even if you know what they are, keep chemicals separate during cleanup and disposal.
- Do not handle damaged or unknown containers. Consult with authorities or professionals on safe handling and disposal.
- If you are handling a cleanup yourself, leave unburned debris separate from ash and burned debris if possible. Find out if there are specific collection sites for disaster debris by contacting your state environmental agency.
- Do not burn household cleaners, pesticides, or chemicals. Do not dump them in drains, storm sewers, or any natural water bodies. Set them aside for proper disposal. Contact your local waste disposal company, state environmental agency, or local hazardous waste disposal site.
Additional Resources:
If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.
Last updated August 19, 2024
