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In just seconds, a spark or even the sun's heat alone can set off an inferno. Wildfires spread quickly, consuming thick, dried-out vegetation and almost everything else in their path. What was once a forest becomes a virtual powder keg of untapped fuel. In a seemingly instantaneous burst, a wildfire overtakes thousands of acres of surrounding land, threatening the homes and lives of many in the vicinity.

An average of 5 million acres burn every year in the United States, causing millions of dollars in damage. Once a fire begins, it can spread at a rate of up to 14.29 miles per hour (23 kph), consuming everything in its path. As a fire spreads over brush and trees, it may take on a life of its own -- finding ways to keep itself alive, even spawning smaller fires by throwing embers miles away.

After combustion occurs and a fire begins to burn, three factors control how the fire spreads. Depending on these factors, a fire can quickly fizzle or turn into a raging blaze that scorches thousands of acres. These three factors are:

Wildfires spread based on the type and quantity of fuel that surrounds them. Fuel can include everything from trees, underbrush and dry grass to homes. The amount of flammable material that surrounds a fire is referred to as the fuel load. Fuel load is measured by the amount of available fuel per unit area, usually tons per acre. A small fuel load will cause a fire to burn and spread slowly, with a low intensity. If there is a lot of fuel, the fire will burn more intensely, causing it to spread faster. The faster it heats up the material around it, the faster those materials can ignite.

Because vegetation is the primary fuel for wildfires, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends a minimum 30-foot safety zone around your home. You should:

Limit the number and size of plants within this zone.

Replace highly flammable species with less flammable vegetation.

Limb trees from their base up to about 15 feet up the tree.

Remove any climbing vines or espalier attached to your home.

Cut grass and prune trees and shrubs in this area regularly.

Remove plant debris such as broken limbs and fallen leaves.

A second zone, extending to 100 feet from the house, is also suggested. In this zone, you should lower the volume of vegetation and replace highly flammable trees and shrubbery with less flammable varieties.

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In just seconds, a spark or even the sun's heat alone can set off an inferno. Wildfires spread quickly, consuming thick, dried-out vegetation and almost everything else in their path. What was once a forest becomes a virtual powder keg of untapped fuel.

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What to do after a wildfire-

Return home only when authorities say it is safe.

For several hours after the fire, maintain a "fire watch." Check and re-check for smoke, sparks or hidden embers throughout the house, including the roof and the attic.

Use caution when entering burned areas as hazards may still exist, including hot spots, which can flare up without warning. Evacuate immediately if you smell smoke.

Wear a NIOSH certified-respirator (dust mask) and wet debris down to minimize breathing dust particles.

Discard any food that has been exposed to heat, smoke or soot.

Do NOT use water that you think may be contaminated to wash dishes, brush teeth, prepare food, wash hands, or to make ice or baby formula.

Photograph damage to your property for insurance purposes.

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What to do during a wildfire-

If there is a wildfire in the area, be ready to evacuate on short notice.

If you see a wildfire and haven't received evacuation orders yet, call 9-1-1. Don't assume that someone else has already called.

If ordered to evacuate during a wildfire, do it immediately- make sure and tell someone where you are going and when you have arrived.

If you or someone you are with has been burned, call 9-1-1 or seek help immediately; cool and cover burns to reduce chance of further injury or infection.

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What to do before a wildfire-

Know your wildlife risk.

Familiarize yourself with local emergency plans. Know where to go and how to get there should you need to evacuate.

Make a wildfire emergency plan including an evacuation plan and a communication plan.

Many communities have text or email alerting systems for emergency notifications. To find out what alerts are available in your area, search the Internet with your town, city, or county name and the word “alerts.”

Build or restock your emergency preparedness kit, including a flashlight, batteries, cash, and first aid supplies.

Stay tuned to your phone alerts, TV, or radio, for weather updates, emergency instructions or evacuation orders.

Create and maintain an area approximately 30’ away from you home that is free of anything that will burn, such as wood piles, dried leaves, newspapers, brush, and other landscaping that can burn. From 30 feet to 100 feet reduce or replace as much of the most flammable vegetation as possible and prune vegetation, create “fuel breaks,” such as driveways, gravel walkways, and lawns. Work with neighbors to create spaces up to 200 feet around your homes where vegetation is thinned to remove underbrush and tall trees do not touch each other for continuous canopies.

Regularly clean the roof and gutters.

Connect garden hoses long enough to reach any area of the home and fill garbage cans, tubs, or other large containers with water.

Review your homeowner's insurance policy and also prepare/update a list of your home's contents.