Prepper must-haves: 12 Essential items to keep in your car for wildfire survival

By zoeysky // 2025-04-03

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Wildfires are a serious and growing threat, especially in dry, windy regions, as seen in devastating events like the Paradise, California, and Lahaina, Hawaii fires. Being prepared with essential items in your car is critical for survival during evacuation.
Essential items for your car include eyewash or eye drops to relieve irritation from smoke and ash, ensuring clear vision while driving. You also need a battery-powered fan with extra batteries to combat intense heat and circulate air when windows are closed.
Don't forget face masks (KN95 or respirators) and swim goggles to protect against smoke inhalation and eye irritation.
Tools like an ax or hatchet can be used to clear debris blocking evacuation routes and fire-resistant gloves for handling hot or sharp objects.
You also need LED flashlights, headlamps, water and an all-purpose emergency kit with first-aid supplies, food and other essentials in your car emergency kit.

Wildfires are a growing threat, especially in regions prone to dry, windy conditions. The devastating fires in Paradise, California, and Lahaina, Hawaii, serve as stark reminders of how quickly these disasters can escalate, leaving little time for escape. For those living in or traveling through wildfire-prone areas, preparedness is not just a good idea — it’s a necessity. Since evacuation often happens by car, equipping your vehicle with the right tools and supplies can make all the difference in a life-or-death situation. (h/t to TheSurvivalMom.com) Here are 12 essential items to keep in your car to help you survive a wildfire:

Eyewash or eye drops

Smoke and ash can severely irritate your eyes, making it difficult to see while driving. A small bottle of eyewash or lubricating eye drops can provide immediate relief and help you maintain focus on the road.

Battery-powered fan with extra batteries

Wildfires often create intense heat, and closing your car’s air circulation system to block smoke can make the interior feel like an oven. A battery-powered fan can help circulate air, keeping you and your passengers cooler. Don’t forget extra batteries to ensure it keeps running.

Face masks with eye protection

Smoke inhalation is one of the biggest dangers during a wildfire. A KN95 mask or respirator can protect your lungs, while swim goggles or shooting-range goggles can shield your eyes from smoke and debris. (Related: Essential gear for SHTF situations: Choosing the right equipment for survival.)

Respirators

For added protection, consider keeping respirator masks in your car. These provide better filtration than standard masks and are especially useful for those with respiratory conditions.

Swimming goggles

Smoke-filled air can make it nearly impossible to keep your eyes open. Swimming goggles create a tight seal, protecting your eyes from irritation and allowing you to see clearly.

Ax or hatchet

Fallen branches or debris can block your evacuation route. A hatchet or ax allows you to quickly clear the road, ensuring you can keep moving.

Fire-resistant work gloves

Handling hot or sharp debris requires protection. Fire-resistant gloves can shield your hands while you clear obstacles or perform other tasks outside your vehicle.

LED flashlights and headlamps

Wildfires can darken the sky, turning day into night. LED flashlights and headlamps can provide essential light for navigating or signaling for help. A headlamp is particularly useful because it keeps your hands free.

Water

Staying hydrated is critical in high-stress, high-heat situations. Keep at least a gallon of water in your car and consider adding more if you have space. Water can also be used to wet cloths for makeshift masks or to cool down pets.

All-purpose emergency kit

A well-stocked emergency kit should include first-aid supplies, non-perishable food, a multi-tool, a fire extinguisher and other essentials. Tailor your kit to your family’s specific needs, including medications and pet supplies. You'll also need some type of container that will fit in the back of your minivan, SUV or the trunk of your car. You can get a clear plastic bin, the type that is designed to fit under beds. It fits inside most vehicles, and it's easier to see what’s inside. It can also hold a lot. Get a container with a lid or other closure that fits so if you make a sharp turn and the bin topples over you won't have to worry about things spilling out.

Inhaler and asthma medication

For people with respiratory conditions, having an inhaler and asthma medication on hand is non-negotiable. Wildfire smoke can exacerbate breathing problems, so ensure these items are easily accessible.

Physical map of the area

GPS systems can fail during emergencies, leaving you stranded without directions. A physical map can help you navigate evacuation routes even if technology lets you down.

Additional tips for wildfire preparedness

Before SHTF, practice your evacuation route. Familiarize yourself with multiple routes out of your area, and drive them at different times of day to account for varying conditions. Practice how to manually open your garage door. Power outages are common during wildfires, so ensure you can open your garage door without electricity. If you have pets, make sure they also have a bug-out bag. Pets are especially vulnerable to heat and smoke. Pack extra water, a collapsible bowl and a cloth to wet their fur or tongue. Keep in mind that driving through a wildfire is extremely hazardous. Smoke can quickly fill your vehicle, and hot asphalt can melt tires. If you must drive, stay calm, protect your lungs and eyes and keep moving toward safety. Wildfires are unpredictable, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. By keeping these 12 essential items in your car, you’ll be better equipped to handle the challenges of a wildfire evacuation. Remember, the key to survival is staying calm, thinking clearly and acting decisively. Take the time to prepare now — it could save your life later. Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional road-tripper, having a well-stocked car is a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Start building your wildfire survival kit today, and drive with confidence knowing you’re ready for whatever comes your way. Visit Survival.news for more tips on how to survive other dangerous situations. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies for your prepping needs. Watch the video below for useful prepping tips for beginners. This video is from the Survival Prepper For Beginners channel on Brighteon.com.

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