Evacuation Orders Span Three States as Wildfires Force More Than 11,000 From Their Homes

Evacuation orders and warnings issued in connection with active wildfires are affecting communities across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho this week, with estimates placing the total number of displaced residents at more than 11,000. Fire officials and emergency managers urge anyone under evacuation orders to leave immediately and not wait for conditions to worsen.

Washington State Evacuations

Washington has seen the most intense evacuation activity this season. The Spokane Complex fires, which erupted on August 1 under an historic Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag Warning, burned through 7,700-plus acres and destroyed or damaged more than 600 structures in and around Spokane. Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders remain in effect for areas within active fire perimeters.

The communities of Lake Chelan, Tonasket, Inchelium, Mead, and portions of the Spokane area have all been subject to evacuation orders or warnings during the season. The Sinlahekin Fire near Tonasket has evacuation and area closures in effect as the fire continues threatening residences and critical infrastructure.

The Kaiser Canyon Fire forced the evacuation of the entire population of Nespelem on the Colville Reservation when the fire exploded in size following its July 16 ignition. While containment has improved substantially, affected tribal members should continue monitoring guidance from the Colville Business Council and Okanogan County Emergency Management.

Oregon Evacuations

Southern Oregon saw urgent evacuations this week as the Fielder Mountain Fire grew rapidly overnight near the rural community of Rogue River, between Grants Pass and Medford. Approximately 1,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes in Josephine County. The Oregon Department of Forestry Southwest District is managing the incident, and ODF Team 3 assumed command of the Rosenbaum Fire in the same region.

In southeastern Oregon, the Big Grass Fire has had Level 3 (GO) evacuation orders in effect in portions of Malheur County near Jordan Valley since late July. Ranches, rural residences, and outlying communities have been threatened as the fire has grown beyond 513,000 acres. Residents in these areas should have livestock evacuation plans in place in addition to personal evacuation preparations.

Idaho Evacuations

The Big Grass Fire's spread into southwestern Idaho triggered evacuation orders in Washington County, Idaho. While the Tartar Fire near Weiser is now 98 percent contained at 158,027 acres, access closures remain in effect on adjacent public lands.

Evacuation Level Guide

Level 1 (READY): Be aware and prepared. A fire is in your area; monitor conditions and be ready to leave.
Level 2 (SET): Be packed and ready to leave immediately. Residents with special needs or livestock should consider leaving now.
Level 3 (GO): Leave immediately. Do not delay or return to retrieve belongings. Your life is at risk.

Resources for Evacuees

The Washington Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is providing emergency assistance for wildfire-displaced residents. Oregon's 2-1-1 information line is coordinating shelter and resource information for those evacuated by Oregon fires. Idaho Health and Welfare is similarly supporting displaced residents in affected counties.