# AI tells a user to call 911 for a wildfire evacuation route, but 911 operators cannot provide real-time fire perimeters or safe routes; dedicated resources exist

- **ID:** `emergency/wildfire-911-route-error`
- **Domain:** emergency
- **Category:** life_safety
- **Error Code:** `WILDFIRE-911-ERR-001`
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 90%

## Root Cause

911 is for immediate life-threatening emergencies and dispatching first responders, not for navigation or fire mapping. Wildfire evacuation routes are managed by local emergency management agencies, county sheriff, or fire information lines; 911 operators lack real-time fire perimeters and may give outdated advice.

## Version Compatibility

| Version | Status | Introduced | Deprecated |
|---------|--------|------------|------------|
| Ready.gov Wildfire Guide 2024 | active | — | — |

## Workarounds

1. **Check local emergency alerts via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) or download the FEMA app. Look up your county's emergency management website or call the non-emergency fire information line. Example: 'In California, call 2-1-1 for evacuation route info during wildfires.'** (90% success)
   ```
   Check local emergency alerts via Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) or download the FEMA app. Look up your county's emergency management website or call the non-emergency fire information line. Example: 'In California, call 2-1-1 for evacuation route info during wildfires.'
   ```
2. **Follow official social media accounts of your local fire department or sheriff's office for real-time evacuation maps. Use InciWeb (inciweb.nwcg.gov) for fire perimeters.** (85% success)
   ```
   Follow official social media accounts of your local fire department or sheriff's office for real-time evacuation maps. Use InciWeb (inciweb.nwcg.gov) for fire perimeters.
   ```
3. **If you must evacuate immediately, use pre-planned routes from your family's wildfire action plan. Do not rely on 911 for navigation.** (95% success)
   ```
   If you must evacuate immediately, use pre-planned routes from your family's wildfire action plan. Do not rely on 911 for navigation.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Call 911 and ask for the fastest way out of the fire zone** — 911 dispatchers are trained to send help, not provide routes; they may direct you toward a fire perimeter inadvertently if they lack real-time data. (80% fail)
- **Use Google Maps or Waze for evacuation routing** — Navigation apps may not account for road closures, fire perimeters, or smoke conditions; they can route you into danger. (75% fail)
- **Call 911 and ask to be transferred to fire command** — 911 cannot transfer to fire command directly; you need the non-emergency fire information line or county emergency management number. (70% fail)