India, Aug. 12 -- Residents across the western United States are facing another dangerous wildfire season. This year, large blazes have been burning across California, Oregon and Washington.

Evacuation orders have been issued for communities near California's Big Sur, while firefighters continue battling multiple large incidents across the Pacific Northwest. Oregon is also on track for its worst wildfire season on record by acreage burned.

Against that backdrop, emergency officials suggest that residents should not wait until an evacuation order appears on their phones. Instead, they should prepare well in advance, as changing wind conditions and rugged terrain can rapidly alter a fire's path.

Ex- FEMA official Josh Dozor told HT.com t...