NIFC predictive services and the National Weather Service have issued an above-average significant wildfire potential forecast for all of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho through September 2026. For residents of the Pacific Northwest, that means fire season is far from over — and personal preparedness could make the difference between a safe evacuation and a deadly one.

What the Forecast Says

The latest wildfire potential outlook, released August 6, shows above-average risk for significant wildfire through September for the entire tri-state Pacific Northwest region. Above-average risk also extends into northern Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Northern California. The forecast reflects dry fuel conditions, record or near-record heat, limited monsoon moisture penetration into the Northwest, and an anticipated continuation of hot, dry, and breezy weather patterns through late summer.

The early August fire siege — with Oregon hosting 29 large fires, Washington 18, and Idaho 7 simultaneously — has made clear that this season is delivering on the most pessimistic of those forecasts.

Go-Bag Essentials

Every household in fire-prone areas should maintain a go-bag that can be grabbed in minutes. Include:

  • Copies of critical documents (ID, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof bag
  • At least 72 hours of medication
  • Phone charger and backup battery
  • Change of clothes for each family member
  • Cash in small bills
  • N95 masks
  • Pet supplies, leashes, carriers
  • Water and non-perishable snacks

Know Your Zone

Oregon and Washington use a standard evacuation level system. Level 1 (Be Ready) means a potential exists; Level 2 (Be Set) means gather your things and prepare to leave immediately; Level 3 (Go Now) means leave immediately without delay. Do not wait for Level 3 — fires can move faster than notification systems.

Sign up for your county's emergency alert system now, before a fire starts. Don't wait until you smell smoke to register.

Defensible Space

If you have a home in a wildland-urban interface area, the single most impactful thing you can do before a fire arrives is create and maintain defensible space:

  • Zone 1 (0–30 feet): Remove all dead vegetation, maintain separation between plants and trees, keep lawns mowed short and irrigated if possible, clear debris from gutters and roof
  • Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce fuel density, create vertical and horizontal space between plants, remove ladder fuels that allow fire to climb into tree canopy

Stay Informed

With fires active across the region, staying informed is a daily responsibility through the end of fire season. Resources include:

The fires of early August 2026 are a reminder that living in the Pacific Northwest means living with fire. Preparation and awareness are your best tools.