With 45 large fires burning across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho — and fire conditions forecast to remain extreme through September — now is the time for Pacific Northwest residents to review their wildfire preparedness. Evacuation orders can come with little warning. A few hours of preparation today could save your life and protect your property when fire strikes.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Every community in fire-prone areas of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho uses a three-level evacuation system. Know which level applies to your address before a fire starts:

  • Level 1 — Be Ready: A wildfire threat exists in or near your area. Be alert and review your emergency plans and go-kit. Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice.
  • Level 2 — Be Set: Danger has increased significantly. You should be preparing to leave. Those who require extra time (mobility challenges, livestock, etc.) should leave now.
  • Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait to gather belongings or attempt to protect your property. This is a life-safety order.

Find your zone: Oregon residents can check ORalert.gov. Washington residents can use alertsense.com/wa or contact their county emergency management office. Idaho residents should check with their county sheriff's office.

Build Your Go-Kit

Prepare a bag you can grab in under two minutes. Include:

  • Important documents (IDs, insurance, prescriptions) — ideally in a waterproof bag or scanned to cloud storage
  • Medications and medical equipment (at least a 2-week supply)
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Phone chargers and a portable battery pack
  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
  • N95 masks for smoke
  • Water and snacks for 72 hours
  • Pet food, carriers, and veterinary records if you have animals

Defensible Space: Do It Now

If you live in a wildland-urban interface (WUI) area, maintaining defensible space is one of the most effective things you can do to improve your home's survival odds:

  • Zone 1 (0–30 feet): Keep this area lean, clean, and green. Remove dead vegetation, space plants and shrubs, keep grass mowed short.
  • Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce fuel density. Space trees so canopies don't touch. Remove ladder fuels that could carry fire from the ground to the treetops.
  • Clear gutters, roofs, and deck of combustible debris — ember intrusion is the leading cause of home ignition in wildfires.
  • Stack firewood away from structures. Cover wood piles with fire-resistant tarps.

Stay Informed

Sign up for emergency alerts from your county. Follow local sheriff's offices and emergency management agencies on social media. Key resources:

  • inciweb.wildfire.gov — official fire incident information
  • nifc.gov — National Interagency Fire Center daily briefings
  • oregonsmoke.org / ecology.wa.gov — air quality advisories
  • airnow.gov — real-time AQI by location
  • nwfirewatch.com — Pacific Northwest fire news

The 2026 fire season is far from over. The steps you take today can make the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Don't wait for a Level 3 order to start planning — plan now, so you can act instantly when it matters most.