With the Pacific Northwest in the grip of its most severe wildfire season in years — and with the National Preparedness Level sitting at the maximum Level 5 — now is not the time to be caught unprepared. Whether you live in a rural area, a wildland-urban interface community, or even a city, wildfire smoke and rapid fire spread can affect you. Here is what you need to know and do right now.

Know Your Risk

The 2026 National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook places all of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho at above-average fire risk through at least September. If you live anywhere east of the Cascades, in forested foothills, or in a rural area with grass and brush, your property faces real fire exposure risk this season.

  • Visit wildfirerisk.org to look up your property's wildfire risk score.
  • Check your county's current burn restrictions — most counties in eastern Oregon, Washington, and Idaho have campfire bans and open burning restrictions in effect.
  • Confirm your home address is registered in your local emergency alert system for wildfire notifications.

Build Your Go-Bag Now

Do not wait for an evacuation order to start packing. A go-bag should be ready to grab in under two minutes. Include:

  • Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, deeds, prescriptions)
  • At least three days of medications
  • Phone charger and power bank
  • N95 masks (for smoke)
  • Water and non-perishable food for 72 hours
  • Pet food, carriers, and vaccination records for pets
  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
  • Cash

Create Your Evacuation Plan

Know at least two routes out of your neighborhood — fires can block roads quickly. Identify where you will go (a friend or family member's home, a hotel, or a public shelter) and communicate that plan to everyone in your household. Agree on an out-of-area contact for family members to check in with if you become separated.

Protect Your Home

If you have not already, now is the time to create and maintain defensible space around your home:

  • Zone 1 (0–30 feet): Remove dead plants, leaves, and pine needles from around your home. Keep your lawn mowed and green. Move woodpiles away from the house.
  • Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Cut or mow dry grass. Remove branches within 10 feet of the ground on trees. Create spacing between shrubs and trees.
  • Clean out gutters and keep the roof clear of debris.
  • Close all vents with fine metal mesh to prevent ember intrusion.

Monitor Air Quality Daily

During active smoke events, protect your lungs:

  • Check AirNow.gov or your state DEQ website for daily AQI readings.
  • Keep windows and doors closed on smoky days.
  • Use air conditioning on recirculate mode, or a HEPA air purifier indoors.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activity when AQI is above 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups) or 150 (Unhealthy for all).

Stay Informed

Follow official sources for fire updates:

  • InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov) — official incident information for active fires
  • NWCC (gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc) — Northwest Coordination Center daily reports
  • AirNow.gov — air quality conditions
  • NWFireWatch.com — PNW-focused fire news and updates
  • Your county emergency management office website and social media

The fire season is far from over. Staying informed, prepared, and ready to act quickly is the best protection you have.