Sue,
A very good topic. I've discussed this a few times in the past, but it's always good to review. In my specific case, we live quite a ways from where the fires originate, but due to the wildlife open areas we aren't quite out of reach. Generally though I'll be watching a fire's progress for a couple days before it gets threatening to me. At that point I pack the truck with whatever I decide I need to take. I walk through the house and take a current set of photos on my digital camera, back up my computer files (laptop goes with me) -- documentation. Then I sit back and continue to watch. While the 2003 Cedar fire burned my truck was packed; it stayed packed for a week.

Do not wait until the fire department says "leave now", to start packing. When they say leave, get in your car and start driving -- have a full tank.