FRANKLYWNOW - AFD: Some Anchorage residents should be prepared to evacuate dur

The Anchorage Fire Department says some neighborhoods need to be thinking about what they would do in the event of a wildfire and start to prepare for it now.

AFD spokesman John See said some neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable, including much of the Anchorage Hillside. He said the department has also had several meetings with people in Stuckagain Heights where Campbell Airstrip road is the only route in or out.

“One way in, one way out is our biggest concern,” See said. “Their exit route may be compromised. What we tell people because of that is they may have to make a very quick decision to evacuate. Don’t wait for the fire department or [police] to come around and notify you that you need to get out. If you see a fire below your neighborhood and you think you need to leave, by all means get out, evacuate.”

See said the fire department is taking a “ready, set, go” approach. He said “ready” is making sure your home is fire safe by trimming brush and taking out trees and other flammable materials that are too close to the house. “Set” means having a plan with other family members about where to meet after an evacuation to make sure that everyone is accounted for. “Go” could be what you should take with you and prepare ahead of time. That includes things like prescription medications, important paperwork and family photos.

“You’ve seen stories about the fires in Alberta this year,” See said. “A lot of those residents left their homes and basically didn’t have anything to come back to.”

See said residents who do leave their homes in a wildfire should leave the lights on. He said that makes it easier for firefighters to spot in thick smoke.

For more information about being ready for wildfires, visit the Red Cross of Alaska’s website or the Alaska Division of Forestry’s website.

KTVA 11’s Lauren Maxwell can be reached via email or on Twitter.

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