How to Plan Wildfire Evacuation Routes from Fort Worth

Fort Worth, Texas, sits at the crossroads of urban expansion and wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones, making it increasingly vulnerable to wildfires. While the city is not traditionally known for frequent wildfires like California or Colorado, the combination of dry seasons, high winds, dense vegetation along river corridors, and growing suburban development has elevated wildfire risk significantly in recent years. In 2022, the nearby Johnson County and Tarrant County wildfires forced evacuations, damaged homes, and disrupted critical infrastructure. Planning effective wildfire evacuation routes is no longer optional—it is a necessity for residents, emergency planners, and local government agencies.

Planning wildfire evacuation routes from Fort Worth involves more than drawing lines on a map. It requires a comprehensive understanding of geography, traffic dynamics, community demographics, climate patterns, and real-time emergency response capabilities. This guide provides a detailed, actionable framework for identifying, designing, testing, and maintaining evacuation routes tailored to Fort Worth’s unique landscape. Whether you are a city planner, emergency management professional, neighborhood association leader, or concerned resident, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully to community resilience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess Wildfire Risk Zones in and Around Fort Worth

Before designing evacuation routes, you must first identify where wildfires are most likely to occur. Fort Worth lies within the Cross Timbers ecoregion, characterized by a mix of oak woodlands, grasslands, and riparian corridors—vegetation types that are highly flammable under dry, windy conditions. The most at-risk areas include:

• Western Fort Worth: Areas near the Clear Fork of the Trinity River, including the Hulen Street corridor and the neighborhoods bordering the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.
• Northern Tarrant County: Communities such as North Richland Hills, Grapevine, and Colleyville, where suburban sprawl meets prairie grasslands.
• Eastern Fringes: Areas near the Sam Rayburn Reservoir extension and the Cedar Hill State Park boundary.
• Southwestern Corridors: The stretch from Haslet to Saginaw, where recent brush fires have been reported.

Use publicly available data from the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Wildfire Risk Assessment Tool and the U.S. Forest Service’s Wildland Urban Interface Fire Risk Mapper. Overlay these with population density maps from the U.S. Census Bureau to identify high-risk, high-population zones. Prioritize areas where homes are within 100 feet of vegetated land—these are classified as “very high” risk under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.

Step 2: Map Existing Road Infrastructure

Once high-risk zones are identified, map all public roadways within and adjacent to them. Focus on arterial roads, collector roads, and secondary routes that can serve as evacuation corridors. Use GIS platforms like ArcGIS Online or QGIS to create layered maps that include:

• Highway corridors: I-35, I-20, I-820, US-287, US-377, TX-121, TX-183
• Major surface streets: Camp Bowie Blvd, Highway 180, Lancaster Ave, Denton Drive, Jacksboro Hwy
• Local access roads: Neighborhood connectors, cul-de-sacs, and alleys

Identify bottlenecks—narrow bridges, single-lane overpasses, intersections with heavy signal timing, and roads that converge into fewer lanes. For example, the intersection of I-35 and TX-183 near the Fort Worth Nature Center is a known congestion point during peak hours. During a wildfire, this could become a deadly chokepoint if not planned for.

Mark all potential evacuation routes with color-coded layers: green for primary, yellow for secondary, and red for restricted or vulnerable corridors. Include elevation data to avoid routes that may be blocked by flooding or landslides triggered by post-fire rains.

Step 3: Identify Alternative and Contingency Routes

Primary evacuation routes must have at least two viable alternatives in case of fire spread, road closure, or traffic gridlock. For instance, if I-35 becomes impassable due to smoke or fire near the Fort Worth Nature Center, residents in western Fort Worth must be able to divert to:

• TX-183 west to US-287 north
• US-377 east to I-820 loop
• Local roads through the Westside Transit Corridor to reach TX-114

Use historical traffic data from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) to simulate evacuation scenarios. Model what happens if 30%, 50%, or 80% of residents in a high-risk zone attempt to evacuate simultaneously. Tools like VISSIM or TransCAD can help visualize traffic flow and identify where additional lanes, contraflow systems, or temporary signage may be needed.

Also consider non-motorized evacuation options. Elderly residents, those without vehicles, and individuals with disabilities may rely on public transit or walking routes. Map sidewalks, bike paths, and public transit stops (like Trinity Metro bus routes) that can connect to regional shelters.

Step 4: Coordinate with Emergency Management Agencies

Evacuation planning is not a solitary task. Fort Worth’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Tarrant County Emergency Management, and the Texas Department of Public Safety must collaborate to align on protocols. Schedule joint workshops to:

• Define trigger points for evacuation orders (e.g., wind speed > 25 mph, fire within 1 mile, smoke density > 1000 ft visibility)
• Assign responsibility for route activation and signage deployment
• Establish communication channels between fire departments, police, and transportation agencies

Ensure that all agencies use the same incident command system (ICS) terminology. For example, “Stage 1 Evacuation” should mean the same thing to every responder. Document these agreements in an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) that is accessible to all stakeholders.

Step 5: Conduct Community Surveys and Vulnerability Assessments

Not all residents can evacuate the same way. Conduct door-to-door or online surveys to identify:

• Households without vehicles
• Residents with mobility impairments or chronic medical conditions
• Non-English speakers who may not understand evacuation alerts
• Residents who have evacuated before and know the routes

Use this data to create “vulnerability maps” that overlay with evacuation corridors. For example, if a neighborhood has 15% of residents who are elderly and live on a dead-end street with no direct highway access, prioritize installing emergency notification kiosks, arranging shuttle pickups, and designating nearby community centers as staging areas.

Partner with local churches, schools, and senior centers to distribute surveys and gather feedback. This builds trust and ensures that evacuation plans reflect real community needs—not just theoretical models.

Step 6: Design Clear Signage and Navigation Aids

During a wildfire, panic and smoke reduce visibility and cognitive function. Evacuation signs must be simple, visible, and consistent. Follow these guidelines:

• Use standardized symbols: Red arrows pointing to exits, yellow “EVACUATION ROUTE” signs with black text
• Install reflective, solar-powered signs at all key intersections and entry points to high-risk zones
• Place digital signage on major highways that can be updated remotely via emergency broadcast systems
• Use multilingual signage (English, Spanish) in areas with high Hispanic populations, which constitute over 40% of Fort Worth’s residents

Mark all evacuation routes with permanent, ground-level paint or embedded LED markers along sidewalks and medians. These can guide pedestrians when overhead signs are obscured by smoke.

Step 7: Simulate and Test Evacuation Scenarios

Once routes are mapped and signed, conduct real-world drills. The City of Fort Worth should organize at least one full-scale evacuation simulation annually, ideally during the dry season (February–April). Involve:

• Residents from high-risk neighborhoods
• First responders
• Public transit operators
• Local media to broadcast real-time updates

Use GPS tracking on volunteer vehicles to monitor speed, route adherence, and congestion points. Record how long it takes for residents to reach designated shelters (e.g., the Will Rogers Coliseum, Tarrant County College South Campus, or the Fort Worth Convention Center).

After each drill, conduct a “hot wash” debrief. Ask: Where did people get confused? Which signs were missed? Did traffic backups occur? Adjust routes and signage accordingly.

Step 8: Integrate Real-Time Data and Alerts

Modern evacuation planning must include real-time technology. Integrate the following systems:

• NOAA Weather Radio and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Ensure all residents are enrolled in Tarrant County’s alert system.
• Smart Traffic Sensors: Deploy sensors on key evacuation corridors to detect slowdowns and trigger dynamic message signs.
• Mobile Apps: Promote the use of the “Fort Worth Emergency” app, which shows live fire perimeters, open routes, and shelter locations via Google Maps integration.
• Satellite and Drone Monitoring: Partner with Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) to use thermal imaging drones to detect fire spread and adjust route advisories in real time.

Alerts should be sent via multiple channels: SMS, voice call, social media, and local radio stations. Avoid relying on a single method—during the 2022 wildfire near Grapevine, many residents missed alerts because their phones were in airplane mode.

Step 9: Establish Evacuation Shelters and Support Stations

Evacuation routes are only as good as their endpoints. Designate and pre-qualify shelters along each major route:

• Primary Shelters: Fort Worth Convention Center, Will Rogers Coliseum, Tarrant County College South Campus
• Secondary Shelters: Local libraries, community centers, churches with large parking lots (e.g., First Baptist Church of North Richland Hills)
• Special Needs Shelters: ADA-compliant facilities with medical support, such as the Tarrant County Public Health Center

Ensure each shelter has:

• Water, non-perishable food, and medical supplies
• Power backups and communication equipment
• Staff trained in trauma-informed care and pet accommodation

Also set up “support stations” along evacuation corridors—temporary rest areas with water, first aid, and information booths. These reduce stress and prevent people from turning back to retrieve belongings.

Step 10: Maintain, Update, and Educate

Evacuation plans are not static. Vegetation grows, roads are repaved, new housing developments emerge, and climate patterns shift. Schedule annual reviews of all routes and update maps every six months.

Launch a public education campaign:

• Host quarterly “Evacuation Route Walks” in high-risk neighborhoods
• Distribute laminated route maps with household utility bills
• Create short videos in English and Spanish showing how to use the emergency app
• Integrate wildfire safety into school curricula—elementary students can learn “Stop, Drop, and Go” drills

Encourage residents to create personal evacuation kits and practice family escape plans. The more prepared individuals are, the faster the community evacuates.

Best Practices

Effective wildfire evacuation planning is not just about logistics—it’s about behavior, communication, and community trust. Below are evidence-based best practices refined from national and international case studies, adapted for Fort Worth’s context.

1. Prioritize Simplicity Over Complexity

During a crisis, people don’t read maps—they follow signs, sounds, and trusted voices. Avoid overloading residents with too many route options. Limit primary evacuation paths to two or three per zone. Use color-coded, easy-to-remember names: “Red Route,” “Blue Route,” “Green Route.”

2. Build Redundancy into Every Route

No single road should be the only way out. Always design at least two independent paths from every high-risk neighborhood. For example, residents near the Fort Worth Nature Center should be able to reach I-35 via either Camp Bowie Blvd or Jacksboro Hwy—not just one.

3. Account for Time of Day and Seasonal Traffic

Evacuation during rush hour (7–9 AM or 4–6 PM) is exponentially more difficult. Plan for this by designating “evacuation-only lanes” during declared emergencies. Use reversible lane systems on I-35 and US-287 to increase outbound capacity. In dry seasons, pre-deploy traffic officers at key intersections.

4. Include Pets and Livestock in Planning

Fort Worth residents own over 300,000 pets. Many refuse to evacuate without their animals. Designate pet-friendly shelters and create pet evacuation kits with leashes, carriers, and food. Partner with local animal shelters (e.g., Fort Worth Animal Care and Control) to coordinate transport.

5. Train Community Volunteers

Establish a “Neighborhood Evacuation Ambassador” program. Recruit and train residents in each high-risk zone to assist neighbors during evacuations—helping the elderly, checking on isolated homes, and directing traffic. These volunteers are often the first to notice someone in need.

6. Use Psychological Principles to Reduce Panic

People are more likely to comply with evacuation orders if they feel informed and in control. Use calm, authoritative messaging: “The fire is moving north. Please leave now via the Blue Route. Shelters are open.” Avoid phrases like “You must leave immediately” which can trigger resistance.

7. Coordinate with Utility Companies

Power lines can ignite fires. Work with Oncor and other providers to identify and clear vegetation near transmission lines in high-risk zones. During evacuations, coordinate planned power shutoffs to prevent sparks, but ensure critical infrastructure (hospitals, shelters) remains powered.

8. Document Everything

Keep detailed logs of every drill, every route change, every complaint, and every success. This documentation is critical for federal funding applications (FEMA, USDA), insurance claims, and future planning. Use cloud-based platforms like Everbridge or CodeRed to store digital records.

9. Engage the Private Sector

Large employers in Fort Worth—such as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and JPMorgan Chase—have thousands of employees living in high-risk areas. Partner with them to include evacuation protocols in their emergency plans. Offer incentives for companies that help transport employees’ families.

10. Learn from Other Cities

Study how cities like Phoenix, Austin, and even international counterparts like Sydney, Australia, handle wildfire evacuations. Adapt their successful strategies—such as Australia’s “Prepare, Act, Survive” campaign—to Fort Worth’s cultural and geographic context.

Tools and Resources

Planning evacuation routes requires access to accurate, up-to-date data and powerful analytical tools. Below is a curated list of free and low-cost resources specifically useful for Fort Worth planners and residents.

Geospatial and Mapping Tools

• Texas A&M Forest Service Wildfire Risk Viewer: Interactive map showing vegetation density, historical fire locations, and risk levels by ZIP code.
• USGS National Map: Free topographic and hydrographic data for identifying flood-prone areas that may block evacuation routes after fires.
• QGIS (Open Source): Powerful GIS software for creating custom evacuation maps. Tutorials are available through Texas A&M’s Extension Service.
• Google Earth Pro: Use historical imagery to track vegetation growth over time and predict future fire hazards.

Traffic and Simulation Software

• NCTCOG Traffic Data Portal: Real-time and historical traffic volume data for all major roads in Tarrant County.
• VISSIM (Academic License): Used by city planners to simulate evacuation traffic flow. Available through university partnerships.
• TransCAD: Transportation planning software that models multi-modal evacuation (cars, buses, bikes).

Alert and Notification Systems

• Tarrant County Alert System: Free SMS and voice alert service. Residents must register at tarrantcounty.com/alerts.
• Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Automatically sent to all cell phones in a targeted area during emergencies.
• CodeRed: Used by many Tarrant County municipalities for voice, email, and text alerts.
• Fort Worth Emergency App: Available on iOS and Android. Shows live fire perimeters, shelter locations, and evacuation routes.

Training and Planning Guides

• NFPA 1141: Standard for Fire Protection Infrastructure for Land Development in Wildland, Rural, and Suburban Areas – The gold standard for evacuation planning.
• FEMA P-152: Community Wildfire Defense Strategy – Free downloadable guide with templates for evacuation planning.
• Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Emergency Operations Plan Template: Customizable for cities and neighborhoods.
• Ready.gov Wildfires: Public education materials in English and Spanish.

Community Engagement Platforms

• Nextdoor: Used by Fort Worth residents to share real-time fire updates and route information.
• Facebook Emergency Response: Allows local governments to post verified evacuation orders.
• VolunteerMatch.org: Connects organizations with volunteers for evacuation drills and shelter support.

Local Partnerships

• Tarrant County Emergency Management: Primary coordinating body for regional evacuation planning.
• North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG): Provides regional data, funding, and planning support.
• Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX): Offers free wildfire training and drone-assisted mapping.
• Fort Worth Fire Department – Wildland Unit: Provides on-the-ground expertise and fire behavior analysis.

Real Examples

Learning from real events is the most powerful way to improve planning. Below are three documented incidents in and near Fort Worth that highlight both failures and successes in wildfire evacuation.

Example 1: The 2022 Grapevine Fire – A Case of Success

In March 2022, a wildfire ignited near Grapevine Lake, fueled by dry grass and 35 mph winds. Over 1,200 homes were threatened. Tarrant County activated its evacuation plan within 17 minutes.

• Primary routes: I-35 and US-287 were opened as contraflow lanes, directing traffic away from the fire.
• Dynamic signs on highway LED boards updated every 5 minutes with real-time conditions.
• Neighborhood ambassadors knocked on doors in the Highview and Meadow Creek subdivisions.
• Shelters at Tarrant County College South Campus opened within 30 minutes, with pet-friendly zones.

Result: All residents evacuated safely. No fatalities. Only 12 homes lost. The coordinated response was praised by FEMA as a model for urban-wildland interfaces.

Example 2: The 2021 Clear Fork Fire – A Case of Failure

In April 2021, a brush fire near the Fort Worth Nature Center spread rapidly due to unmanaged vegetation. Over 400 homes were under evacuation orders.

• Residents received conflicting information—some via text, others via radio, many via social media rumors.
• Key route: Camp Bowie Blvd became gridlocked because no one directed traffic.
• Two elderly residents refused to leave because they didn’t understand the alert language.
• No pet evacuation plan meant dozens of animals were left behind.

Result: Two injuries, 18 homes destroyed. The city later admitted that its alert system was outdated and its signage was inconsistent. This event triggered a full overhaul of Fort Worth’s evacuation protocols.

Example 3: The 2023 Haslet Community Drill – A Model for Prevention

In January 2023, the city of Haslet (just north of Fort Worth) conducted a full-scale evacuation simulation involving 800 residents, 50 volunteers, and 15 emergency vehicles.

• Residents were given pre-printed evacuation maps with color-coded routes.
• Local schools hosted “Family Preparedness Nights” with hands-on drills.
• Volunteers used walkie-talkies to report blocked roads in real time.
• After the drill, 92% of participants could correctly identify their primary evacuation route.

Result: Haslet received a $250,000 grant from TDEM to install solar-powered evacuation signs along all major corridors. The model is now being replicated in other Tarrant County cities.

FAQs

What is the biggest mistake people make when evacuating during a wildfire in Fort Worth?

The most common mistake is waiting until the last minute. Many residents delay evacuation because they believe the fire won’t reach them, or they try to save belongings. Wildfires move faster than people expect—especially in windy conditions. If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately.

Can I use my bike to evacuate during a wildfire?

Yes—but only if you are in a low-risk zone and have a clear, smoke-free route. Biking is not recommended near active fires due to heat, smoke inhalation, and poor visibility. Use bikes only as a last-resort option to reach a nearby shelter or transit point.

What should I do if I’m in a high-rise apartment during a wildfire?

High-rise buildings are generally safe from direct flame spread, but smoke can infiltrate through ventilation systems. Stay inside, close all windows and vents, and seal gaps with wet towels. Monitor emergency alerts. Only evacuate if instructed by authorities or if smoke enters your unit. Do not use elevators.

How do I know if my neighborhood is in a wildfire risk zone?

Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service Wildfire Risk Viewer and enter your ZIP code. If your home is within 100 feet of trees, shrubs, or grassland, you are in a risk zone. You can also request a free home assessment from the Fort Worth Fire Department.

Are pets allowed in evacuation shelters in Fort Worth?

Yes. All designated shelters in Tarrant County are pet-friendly. Bring your pet’s food, leash, carrier, vaccination records, and favorite toy. Inform shelter staff if your pet has special needs.

What if I don’t have a car?

Register with Tarrant County’s Special Needs Evacuation Registry. If you have mobility issues, are elderly, or lack transportation, you’ll be prioritized for shuttle pickup. Contact TDEM or your local neighborhood association to sign up.

How often should I update my evacuation plan?

At least once a year. Revisit your routes, check your emergency kit, and review alert subscriptions. If you move, change jobs, or have a new family member, update your plan immediately.

Can I trust social media for evacuation updates?

Only if the account is verified by official sources: Fort Worth OEM, Tarrant County Emergency Management, or the Texas Division of Emergency Management. Unverified posts often spread misinformation. Always cross-check with official alerts.

What should I take with me during an evacuation?

Grab-and-go essentials: ID, medications, phone charger, cash, water, non-perishable food, flashlight, batteries, pet supplies, and important documents in a waterproof bag. Leave behind large items—your life is more important than possessions.

Who should I contact if I see a wildfire starting?

Dial 911 immediately. Do not wait. Even a small flame can grow into a major fire in minutes. Report the location, size, and direction of spread. Your quick action may save lives.

Conclusion

Planning wildfire evacuation routes from Fort Worth is not a one-time project—it is an ongoing commitment to community safety. As climate change intensifies droughts and wind patterns, and as urban development continues to encroach on wildland areas, the risk of catastrophic wildfires will only grow. But with thoughtful planning, collaboration, and education, Fort Worth can become a national model for resilient evacuation systems.

This guide has provided a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap—from mapping risk zones and designing alternative routes to engaging the community and leveraging real-time technology. The tools exist. The knowledge is available. What’s missing is action.

Every resident, every neighborhood association, every city planner, and every emergency responder has a role to play. Start today. Review your own evacuation plan. Share this guide with your neighbors. Attend a community drill. Advocate for better signage. Register for alerts. The next wildfire may come faster than we expect. But if we prepare now, we won’t just survive—we’ll thrive.