NORTHWEST — With the 2026 fire season proving to be one of the most intense on record — 38 large fires active across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, the National Preparedness Level at maximum since mid-July, and critical fire weather expected to return — there has never been a more important time for Pacific Northwest residents to prepare for wildfire emergencies.

Preparation is not about panic. It is about having a plan before you need it, so that when evacuation orders come — sometimes with very little notice — you and your family can move quickly and safely.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Most counties in Oregon and Washington use a Level 1, 2, 3 evacuation zone system:

  • Level 1 — BE READY: Fire is in the area. Be aware and prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Have your go-bag packed. Monitor official communications closely.
  • Level 2 — BE SET: Danger is increasing. You should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Residents with mobility limitations, pets, or livestock should consider leaving now.
  • Level 3 — GO NOW: Leave immediately. Do not stop to gather belongings. Do not wait for official confirmation if you see fire or smoke approaching — your life is more important than your possessions.

Look up your property's zone at your county sheriff's office website or through the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (osfminfo.org/maps) or Washington DNR's wildfire portal.

Build Your Go-Bag

Your go-bag should be packed and ready to grab in 60 seconds. Include:

  • Identification documents (passport, driver's license, insurance cards) — consider digital copies in the cloud
  • At least three days of prescription medications
  • Phone charger and portable battery pack
  • Cash in small bills
  • Water and non-perishable snacks
  • Change of clothing
  • N95 masks for smoke protection
  • Pet supplies, carriers, and vaccination records
  • Irreplaceable photos or documents (or cloud backups)

Sign Up for Alerts

Do not rely on seeing smoke or hearing sirens to know when to leave. Sign up for your county's official emergency alert system:

  • Washington: Most counties use Everbridge, AlertSense, or similar systems — find your county emergency management office at dnr.wa.gov
  • Oregon: Oregon Alert (oregon.gov/OEM) and county-level systems — search for your county's emergency management office
  • Central Oregon: Text COFIRE to 888-777 for wildfire and prescribed fire text alerts
  • Chelan County: Sign up for the Everbridge Emergency Alert Program at co.chelan.wa.us

Defensible Space and Home Hardening

If you live in or near the wildland-urban interface, now — during active fire season — is the time to assess your home's vulnerability:

  • Clear Zone 1 (0-30 feet from your home) of dead vegetation, wood piles, and flammable debris
  • Remove dead branches overhanging the roof
  • Clear gutters of pine needles and leaf litter
  • Close all vents, windows, and doors if fire is approaching — embers enter through any opening
  • Move patio furniture, doormats, and other combustibles away from the structure

During a Fire Event

  • Follow all evacuation orders immediately — do not wait for Level 3 if conditions are deteriorating rapidly
  • Take all family members and pets with you
  • Leave lights on in your home so it is visible in smoke
  • Wear long pants, long sleeves, and sturdy shoes when evacuating — avoid synthetic fabrics that melt
  • Do not return until an all-clear is given by emergency management officials

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