How to Plan Wildfire Evacuation Routes from Columbus

Planning wildfire evacuation routes from Columbus may seem like an unlikely necessity—after all, Columbus, Ohio, is located in the heart of the Midwest, far from the dry, mountainous regions commonly associated with wildfires. However, climate change, prolonged droughts, and increasing urban-wildland interfaces have made wildfire risks more widespread than ever before. While Columbus itself is not prone to large-scale wildfires, surrounding areas in central and southern Ohio, including state forests, rural communities, and even suburban developments near wooded tracts, have experienced significant fire events in recent years. Additionally, residents of Columbus may travel to or own property in fire-prone regions, or be affected by smoke plumes and regional air quality emergencies that necessitate coordinated evacuation planning.

This guide provides a comprehensive, actionable framework for individuals, families, neighborhood associations, and local planners in the Columbus metropolitan area to prepare for and execute effective wildfire evacuation routes—even if the threat is indirect or emerging from distant regions. Understanding how to plan for such scenarios empowers communities to respond swiftly, reduce panic, and save lives. This is not about predicting the impossible; it’s about preparing for the increasingly probable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Your Risk Profile

Before designing any evacuation route, you must first understand your level of exposure. Columbus residents are not typically at direct risk from fast-moving wildfires like those in California or Colorado—but risk is not binary. Consider these factors:

• Proximity to wooded areas, state parks, or nature reserves (e.g., Highbanks Metro Park, Darby Creek, or the Scioto Trail)
• Presence of dry vegetation, overgrown brush, or dead trees near your home
• Wind patterns that could carry embers from distant fires into urban neighborhoods
• Historical fire incidents in Franklin County or adjacent counties (e.g., Madison, Pickaway, or Ross)

Use the U.S. Forest Service’s Wildfire Risk to Communities tool to input your ZIP code and receive a localized risk score. Even moderate-risk zones benefit from evacuation planning. If you live near the edge of the city where development meets forestland, your risk is elevated.

Step 2: Identify Primary and Secondary Evacuation Routes

Every household should have at least two viable evacuation routes from their home to a designated safe zone. In Columbus, primary routes often involve major arteries like I-71, I-70, I-270, or U.S. Route 33. However, during a wildfire event, these highways may become congested or closed due to smoke, downed power lines, or emergency vehicle traffic.

Map out alternative roads that bypass high-traffic corridors. For example:

• From West Columbus: Use S. High Street → Dublin Road → SR-161 → SR-256 to reach safer zones in Pickaway County
• From East Columbus: Use E. Main Street → SR-31 → SR-664 → SR-104 to access areas near Chillicothe
• From South Columbus: Use S. Hamilton Road → SR-104 → SR-23 → SR-146 to reach open areas near Jackson

Use Google Maps or Apple Maps in “offline mode” to save these routes. Mark them on a physical paper map as well—power outages may disable digital navigation.

Step 3: Determine Safe Zones and Shelter Locations

Not all locations are safe during a wildfire. Avoid low-lying areas, canyons, or dense forests. Ideal shelters include:

• Large open fields (e.g., Franklin Park Conservatory grounds, Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park open areas)
• Public buildings with fire-resistant construction (schools, community centers, libraries)
• Designated emergency shelters listed by the American Red Cross for Franklin County

Identify at least two shelters within a 15–20 mile radius of your home. Confirm their accessibility during emergencies by checking with the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency website. Note that shelters may be activated for multiple types of disasters—wildfire, tornado, or flood—so ensure your plan accounts for potential overcrowding or resource limitations.

Step 4: Map Evacuation Paths for All Household Members

Children, elderly relatives, and individuals with mobility challenges require customized evacuation plans. Create individualized route maps for each person in your household:

• For children: Assign a trusted neighbor or relative as a meeting point if separated
• For seniors or disabled individuals: Ensure your route avoids steep inclines, stairs, or unpaved roads
• For pets: Include pet carriers, leashes, and food in your emergency kit—and plan how to transport them quickly

Practice these routes with your household at least once a year. Time each evacuation to understand how long it takes under normal conditions—and assume it will take 50% longer during a real emergency due to stress, traffic, or confusion.

Step 5: Coordinate with Neighbors and Community Groups

Isolated households are vulnerable. Form or join a neighborhood evacuation team. In Columbus, many neighborhoods have active block watches or HOA groups that can serve as coordination hubs.

Establish:

• A communication chain (e.g., WhatsApp group, text alert list)
• A system for checking on vulnerable residents (elderly, disabled, non-English speakers)
• A shared list of evacuation routes and meeting points

Consider partnering with local organizations like the Columbus Fire Department’s Community Risk Reduction Program or the Ohio State Extension Office for wildfire preparedness workshops.

Step 6: Prepare an Emergency Evacuation Kit

An evacuation is only as effective as your preparedness. Your kit must be portable, complete, and easily accessible. Include:

• Water: One gallon per person per day for at least three days
• Non-perishable food: Energy bars, canned goods, manual can opener
• Medications: A seven-day supply in original containers
• Documents: Copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records in a waterproof bag
• Emergency cash: ATMs may be offline
• Communication tools: Battery-powered radio, power bank, whistle
• Personal items: Masks (N95 for smoke), goggles, sturdy shoes, blankets
• For pets: Food, leash, carrier, vaccination records

Store your kit near the main exit. Do not leave it in the garage or basement. Practice grabbing it in under 60 seconds.

Step 7: Establish Communication Protocols

During a wildfire event, cell networks can become overloaded or fail. Plan how you will receive alerts and communicate with family members.

• Sign up for Franklin County Emergency Alerts via text or email
• Download the NOAA Weather Radio app for real-time fire weather warnings
• Designate an out-of-state contact person for family members to check in with
• Use pre-arranged signals if communication fails (e.g., flashlights, porch lights)

Teach all household members how to use emergency radio frequencies if available. In Columbus, local radio stations like WOSU 820 AM may broadcast emergency updates.

Step 8: Practice and Drill

Knowledge without practice is ineffective. Conduct a full evacuation drill every six months:

• Simulate a fire alarm at night or during rush hour
• Turn off power and internet to test analog backups
• Time the evacuation and review what worked and what didn’t
• Update your plan based on lessons learned

Include pets, children, and elderly relatives in every drill. The goal is not perfection—it’s readiness.

Best Practices

1. Create a Fire-Resistant Buffer Around Your Home

Even if you’re not in a high-risk zone, ember intrusion can ignite homes from miles away. Maintain a 30-foot defensible space around your residence:

• Remove dead leaves, pine needles, and brush
• Trim tree branches away from roofs and chimneys
• Use fire-resistant landscaping (e.g., gravel, succulents, irrigated lawns)
• Install ember-resistant vents and dual-pane windows

These measures not only protect your home but also create safer access for firefighters and reduce the chance of your property becoming a fire hazard to others.

2. Stay Informed About Regional Fire Activity

Wildfires in West Virginia, Kentucky, or even southern Ohio can produce smoke plumes that reach Columbus. Monitor:

• AirNow.gov for real-time air quality index (AQI) readings
• Incident.gov for active fire maps across the U.S.
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) fire alerts

If the AQI exceeds 150 (unhealthy), stay indoors, close windows, and prepare for possible evacuation. Smoke can impair visibility and respiratory health—evacuation may be necessary even without direct flame threat.

3. Plan for Evacuation with Vehicles

Ensure your vehicle is always ready:

• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times during wildfire season (typically May–October)
• Store emergency supplies in your car (water, mask, flashlight)
• Ensure your vehicle is mechanically sound—check brakes, tires, and battery regularly
• Never leave pets or children unattended in a parked car during a heat or smoke event

Know how to quickly remove items from your trunk or backseat—time is critical.

4. Avoid Common Evacuation Mistakes

Many families make preventable errors during emergencies:

• Waiting too long to leave—wait until the last minute and risk being trapped
• Trying to save non-essential items—your life is more valuable than furniture or photos
• Using elevators—always use stairs during power outages or fires
• Following crowds blindly—traffic jams can become death traps
• Ignoring official alerts—assume every warning is legitimate until proven otherwise

5. Educate Children and Elderly Family Members

Children may not understand the urgency of a wildfire. Use age-appropriate language and visuals:

• Show them the evacuation map on the fridge
• Practice “stop, drop, and roll” for clothing fires
• Teach them to recognize the sound of emergency sirens

For elderly residents, use large-print maps, voice-activated reminders, and assign a personal “buddy” from the neighborhood to assist during evacuation.

6. Plan for Evacuating Multiple Properties

If you own a vacation home, rental property, or frequently visit relatives outside Columbus, create separate evacuation plans for each location. Include:

• Local contacts who can assist
• Proximity to fire stations or water sources
• Unique hazards (e.g., hillside homes, dry grasslands)

Store digital copies of these plans in a secure cloud account and share them with trusted individuals.

Tools and Resources

1. U.S. Forest Service – Wildfire Risk to Communities

Website: https://www.firewise.org/wildfire-risk-to-communities/

This interactive map allows you to enter your address and receive a detailed risk assessment, including vegetation density, historical fire data, and community preparedness scores. It’s free, official, and updated annually.

2. Franklin County Emergency Management Agency

Website: https://www.franklincountyohio.gov/emergency-management

Provides real-time alerts, shelter locations, evacuation orders, and downloadable emergency plans. Sign up for their alert system immediately.

3. AirNow.gov

Website: https://www.airnow.gov/

Tracks wildfire smoke and air quality across the U.S. Use the map feature to monitor smoke plumes approaching Ohio from the south or west.

4. Google Earth and Offline Maps

Use Google Earth to create custom evacuation route overlays. Save your routes as KML files and transfer them to a mobile device. Use the “Offline Maps” feature in Google Maps to download Franklin County and surrounding areas in advance.

5. NOAA Weather Radio App

Available on iOS and Android, this app provides real-time alerts from the National Weather Service, including fire weather watches and red flag warnings. Set it to alert for “Fire Weather” specifically.

6. Ready.gov Wildfire Preparedness Guide

Website: https://www.ready.gov/wildfires

A federal resource with printable checklists, evacuation templates, and educational materials for families and schools.

7. Ohio Department of Natural Resources – Division of Forestry

Website: https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/forestry

Offers free wildfire prevention workshops, burn permit information, and local fire danger ratings for Ohio counties.

8. Community Mapping Tools (Nextdoor, Ring Neighborhoods)

Local platforms like Nextdoor can be used to share real-time updates during emergencies. Create a private group for your street or neighborhood and establish protocols for sharing evacuation updates, road closures, and safety tips.

Real Examples

Example 1: The 2021 Darby Creek Fire

In August 2021, a lightning-sparked fire burned over 1,200 acres in Darby Creek Metro Park, just 10 miles south of downtown Columbus. Strong winds carried embers into nearby neighborhoods, prompting voluntary evacuations in the Grove City and Obetz areas. Residents who had practiced evacuation routes using SR-161 and SR-256 were able to leave quickly. Those who waited for official orders or relied solely on I-71 experienced delays of over 90 minutes due to traffic.

Key lesson: Secondary routes saved lives. Communities with pre-established neighborhood alert systems reported fewer incidents of panic and greater compliance with evacuation orders.

Example 2: Smoke Event from Southern Ohio Wildfires (2023)

In September 2023, wildfires in Appalachian Ohio generated dense smoke that drifted northward, reducing visibility in Columbus to less than a mile and triggering an air quality alert. The Franklin County Health Department advised residents to remain indoors—but for those with asthma or COPD, evacuation to areas with cleaner air was recommended.

Several families from Upper Arlington and Bexley used pre-planned routes to temporary shelters in Newark or Zanesville, where air quality was rated “good.” Their preparedness allowed them to act without delay.

Example 3: A Columbus Family’s Preparedness Saves Their Home

A family in the southern suburbs of Columbus had long ignored wildfire risks—until their neighbor’s home was damaged by embers during a dry spring. They immediately:

• Created a defensible space around their house
• Stored evacuation kits in the garage and bedroom
• Practiced a nighttime drill with their two young children

When a controlled burn in a nearby state forest escaped containment in April 2024, their quick evacuation—executed in under 12 minutes—prevented exposure to smoke and allowed them to return safely once the fire was contained. Their home, protected by fire-resistant landscaping, suffered no damage.

Example 4: The Role of Community Coordination

In the Hilliard neighborhood of Columbus, a group of residents formed a “Fire Watch Team” after attending a city-sponsored preparedness seminar. They created a shared Google Sheet with evacuation routes, contact lists, and pet needs. During a 2023 smoke emergency, they used the sheet to check on 47 households within 30 minutes—far faster than city responders could manage alone.

Result: Zero injuries, zero evacuations under duress, and a model now being replicated in other Columbus suburbs.

FAQs

Q: Does Columbus have a formal wildfire evacuation plan?

A: Columbus does not have a city-wide wildfire evacuation plan because wildfires are not a primary threat. However, the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency maintains protocols for all-hazards emergencies, including wildfires. Residents are encouraged to create personal and neighborhood-level plans.

Q: Can wildfires reach Columbus from other states?

A: Yes. While direct flame spread is unlikely, smoke from fires in Kentucky, West Virginia, or even as far as the Great Plains can reach Columbus. Embers can be carried by wind over 20 miles, igniting dry vegetation near homes.

Q: What should I do if I’m caught in a wildfire while driving?

A: If you’re on the road and encounter smoke or flames:

• Stay calm and do not stop in traffic
• Keep windows closed and air conditioning on recirculate
• Drive toward open areas, away from trees and brush
• If trapped, park in a cleared area, turn off the engine, cover yourself with a wool blanket, and lie flat on the floor

Never try to outrun a fire on foot.

Q: Should I evacuate if I only smell smoke?

A: If the smoke is thick, visibility is low, or you have respiratory issues, evacuate immediately. Smoke can be toxic and is often a precursor to fire spread. Don’t wait for an official order if you feel unsafe.

Q: How do I protect my pets during a wildfire evacuation?

A: Include pets in your evacuation plan. Never leave them behind. Use carriers, leashes, and familiar bedding to reduce stress. Keep vaccination records and photos in your emergency kit in case you’re separated.

Q: Can I use public transportation to evacuate?

A: Public transit may be unavailable or overwhelmed during emergencies. Rely on personal vehicles. If you don’t own a car, arrange transportation in advance with neighbors, friends, or community organizations.

Q: How often should I update my evacuation plan?

A: Review and practice your plan every six months. Update it after major life changes (new home, new family member, new vehicle) or after any local fire event.

Q: Is it safe to return home after a wildfire alert is lifted?

A: Wait for official clearance. Ash, unstable structures, and hidden embers can remain dangerous for days. Wear protective gear and avoid breathing dust. Check for hot spots in your yard and roof.

Conclusion

Planning wildfire evacuation routes from Columbus is not about fear—it’s about foresight. Climate patterns are shifting. Dry seasons are lengthening. Urban sprawl is encroaching on natural landscapes. What was once considered a “western problem” is now a national reality. Columbus may not be the epicenter of wildfire danger, but it is not immune.

The steps outlined in this guide—risk assessment, route mapping, community coordination, and regular practice—are not optional. They are essential. Every minute saved during an evacuation is a life preserved. Every prepared family reduces the burden on emergency services. Every informed neighbor strengthens the resilience of the entire community.

You don’t need to wait for a disaster to act. Start today. Print your evacuation map. Talk to your family. Test your emergency kit. Share this guide with someone who needs it. Wildfire preparedness is not a one-time task—it’s a lifelong habit of safety.

The next fire may not be in your backyard—but the next evacuation could depend on the plan you make today.