Plan A plan is essential whether the final decision is to evacuate at the first sign of fire or to remain in place to defend one's home. The plan to stay needs to consider three classes of things: the people who will be involved, the structure to be protected, and the terrain it occupies. T-CEP has taken the lead in encouraging neighborhoods to organize for emergency preparedness. This has not focused on the issue of remaining to protect homes in the event of a wildfire, but neighborhood groups are certainly a place to discuss the issue. If you have neighbors of a like mind and commitment, there may be strength as well as safety in numbers. If you are a member of a family with children, or disabled or frail members, the situation changes greatly. Close up a wildfire makes a deafening noise, it creates gale force winds, the air is full of burning embers which can cause serious burns and will burn holes in clothing which, due to the stress, you probably won't notice until after the fire is past. No one should have to go through it against their desire. Real honesty is required here. Do you really want to go through it?