Communities across the Pacific Northwest are under evacuation pressure this week as a surge of lightning-sparked wildfires continues to grow in hot, dry, and windy conditions. Multiple counties in Oregon and Washington have active evacuation orders at all three levels — with some residents under Level 3 “Go Now” orders that require immediate departure.

Understanding Oregon’s Evacuation Levels

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system:

  • Level 1 — Be Ready: Be aware and prepare to leave. Gather medications, documents, pets, and essential items.
  • Level 2 — Be Set: Be prepared to leave on short notice. The situation is active and changing.
  • Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait for additional notice. This is a life-safety emergency.

Active Evacuation Zones — Oregon

Wheeler and Wasco Counties — Rowe Creek Complex

The Rowe Creek Complex, the largest active wildfire in the United States at nearly 143,000 acres with zero containment, has triggered a full range of evacuation levels in Wheeler and Wasco counties. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 notices are all currently active for communities in proximity to the fire perimeter. Residents should be prepared for rapid changes to evacuation zone designations as the fire moves through complex terrain near the John Day River area.

Umatilla County — Lower Dry Creek Fire

The Lower Dry Creek Fire in Umatilla County triggered the Emergency Conflagration Act on July 15. Level 2 and Level 3 evacuation orders were issued for affected areas. The Oregon State Fire Marshal mobilized structural protection task forces and its Red Incident Management Team in response.

Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook Counties — Akawa Butte and Brewer Fires

Governor Kotek invoked the Emergency Conflagration Act on July 18 for both the Akawa Butte and Brewer Fires burning in Deschutes, Jefferson, and Crook counties. Evacuation orders were issued for communities near those fires, with West Coast structural task forces mobilized to assist with structure protection.

Active Evacuation Zones — Washington

Okanogan County / Colville Reservation — Kaiser Canyon Fire

Level 3 “Go Now” evacuations were ordered near the town of Nespelem on the Colville Indian Reservation as the Kaiser Canyon Fire approached community areas over the weekend. State Route 155, Cache Creek Road, and Buffalo Lake Road are all closed. Residents in surrounding areas should have their evacuation plans ready and monitor the Colville Confederated Tribes and Okanogan County Emergency Management for updates.

Franklin and Columbia Counties — Lyons Ferry Fire

The Lyons Ferry Fire triggered State Fire Mobilization after rapid spread threatened homes, crops, and wildlife facilities in southeastern Washington. Evacuation levels were enacted for portions of the fire’s perimeter communities, with structural protection resources deployed from across the state.

How to Stay Informed

  • Oregon: Sign up for county-specific alerts through your county’s emergency management office or visit oregon.gov/oem
  • Washington: Sign up for WA Alert at waAlert.wa.gov
  • Follow your county sheriff on social media — evacuation level changes are often announced there first
  • Check InciWeb at inciweb.wildfire.gov for fire perimeter and evacuation maps
  • Do not return to Level 3 zones until authorities give an all-clear — even if the immediate threat appears to have passed

Fire behavior remains unpredictable across the region. Residents at any evacuation level should be prepared to act quickly. Have a go bag packed, know your route, and do not wait until Level 3 to make your exit plan.