Emergency Preparedness, Gas Mask Filters, Life-saving Equipment, Preparedness, Safety, SHTF Tips, Survival Skills

Building the Ultimate Wildfire Go Bag

Building the Ultimate Wildfire Go Bag

Sara Rogers |

Wildfires are one of the most destructive natural disasters across the United States and North America. They can strike quickly and without warning—threatening homes, communities, and lives. The recent wildfires in Quebec serve as a stark reminder of how fast these events can escalate.

In 2022 alone, the U.S. experienced over 66,000 wildfires that burned 7.5 million acres. While the number of fires may fluctuate, the intensity and size of the wildfires have increased significantly in recent years. That’s why more and more people are taking wildfire preparedness seriously—and one of the most effective ways to prepare is by building a dedicated wildfire go bag.

What Is a Go Bag?

A go bag is a pre-packed backpack or duffel bag filled with emergency essentials. It’s designed to be grabbed at a moment’s notice when you need to evacuate fast. In wildfire scenarios, you may have only minutes to get out—and your go bag should help you do just that.

Each member of your household should have their own go bag, packed specifically for their needs. And while the contents can vary, a wildfire-specific go bag should always include gear to protect you from smoke, flames, and rapid environmental changes.

Essential Items for a Wildfire Go Bag

Water & Food

Pack at least one gallon of water per person per day, and aim for about 2,000 calories per day in nonperishable food. Survival meals are a great option—lightweight, calorie-dense, and shelf-stable.

 

ReadyWise - 7-Day Emergency Food Supply Ready Grab Bag

 

Clothing

Include flame-resistant garments, long sleeves, durable pants, and boots. Add pajamas, extra socks, and any sentimental items you wouldn’t want to lose.

First Aid Kit

Off-the-shelf kits are a starting point, but add:

 

Off-the-shelf kits are a starting point, but add: Burn creams and bandages Cold packs for heat exhaustion Pressure bandages and tourniquets for bleeding Splints, ACE wraps, and medical tape for mechanical injuries

 

Personal Hygiene

Pack toothbrushes, wipes, hand sanitizer, and bathing wipes for when there’s no running water.

Important Documents

Use a fireproof document pouch for:

  • IDs, insurance, medical and legal records
  • Financial information
  • Deeds, titles, and custody or adoption records

Backup Power

Bring rugged power banks, portable solar panels, and chargers. Your phone is your lifeline for maps, alerts, and emergency contacts.

 

Backup Power Bring rugged power banks, portable solar panels, and chargers. Your phone is your lifeline for maps, alerts, and emergency contacts.

 

Cash

Pack $500–$1,000 in cash in small bills. ATMs and card readers often fail during disasters.

MIRA Safety Essentials for Wildfire Protection

CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask

The best full-face gas mask for wildfires. Offers wide visibility and mil-spec protection against toxic smoke, industrial chemicals, and airborne threats. Shop Now >>

 

CM-6M Tactical Gas Mask The best full-face gas mask for wildfires. Offers wide visibility and mil-spec protection against toxic smoke, industrial chemicals, and airborne threats

 

PAPR System

For people with breathing issues, MIRA’s PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator) assists airflow into the mask, reducing strain and improving filtration. It runs on standard AA batteries and is competitively priced. Explore the PAPR System >>

 

PAPR System For people with breathing issues, MIRA’s PAPR (Powered Air-Purifying Respirator) assists airflow into the mask, reducing strain and improving filtration. It runs on standard AA batteries and is competitively priced.

 

NBC-77 SOF Filter

This CBRN filter provides reliable protection against chemical, biological, and radiological agents. Note: It is not rated for smoke inhalation. Shop Now >>

 

NBC-77 SOF Filter This CBRN filter provides reliable protection against chemical, biological, and radiological agents. Note: It is not rated for smoke inhalation.

 

CM-3M Child Escape Respirator

Designed for children, this head-covering respirator offers comfort and protection for smaller lungs and lower exertion levels. Shop the CM-3M >>

 

CM-3M Child Escape Respirator Designed for children, this head-covering respirator offers comfort and protection for smaller lungs and lower exertion levels

 

Choosing the Right Go Bag

Use a bag you’re familiar with—now is not the time to test new gear. Look for:

  • Durability and reinforced stitching
  • Comfortable fit and padded straps
  • Waterproofing or a rain cover
  • Quality zippers and easy-access compartments

Practice using your go bag during the off-season so you're comfortable accessing everything quickly in an emergency.

Go Bag Packing Strategy

Think in layers. Pack commonly used items on top. Infrequently used items can go at the bottom. Organize your gear so you don’t need to unpack the entire bag to reach one item.

Additional Wildfire Prep Considerations

MIRA Safety FirstBreed Animal Ark

A portable, dome-shaped protective enclosure powered by a PAPR system to protect pets from smoke and airborne toxins. Folds flat for storage and deploys in seconds. Explore The Animal Ark >>

 

The First Breed Collapsible CBRN Animal Ark is the only enclosure system that provides comprehensive CBRN protection for household pets. Designed with rugged, durable materials, it protects your beloved animals from hazardous chemical, biological, and nuclear agents. The Ark functions as a positive pressure system when used with the MB-90 PAPR (sold separately), providing maximum safety in even the worst environments.

 

Emergency Gas Storage

Store fuel in plastic containers and insulate them from direct heat. Keep extra gas on hand in case roads are blocked or stations are closed. It could be the difference between getting out or getting stuck.

Final Thoughts

As wildfires become more frequent and intense, preparing for evacuation is no longer optional—it’s essential. A well-stocked go bag gives you the confidence to act quickly and get your family to safety.

Use this guide as a starting point and customize your bag based on your family's needs. Preparedness is peace of mind. When the skies turn orange, you'll be ready to move fast and breathe easy.

 

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