With four active large fires in Oregon, multiple blazes burning across Idaho, and one large fire in Washington — all under critical fire weather — Pacific Northwest residents in vulnerable communities need to take preparedness action now. Conditions this week are as dangerous as they get: single-digit humidity, temperatures near 100°F, and gusty, erratic winds. Do not wait for a Level 3 evacuation order to start thinking about what to do.

Step 1: Know Your Evacuation Zone

The first and most critical preparedness step is knowing your evacuation level before a fire threatens your area. Oregon and Washington both use the three-level system (Level 1 Be Ready, Level 2 Be Set, Level 3 Go Now). Look up your address now:

  • Oregon: Use the Genasys system at protect.genasys.com — enter your address to see your current zone designation
  • Washington: Check with your county emergency management office; many counties use the Ready.gov or county alert system
  • Idaho: Visit ioemergency.idaho.gov and register for the Idaho Alert system

Sign up for your county's emergency alert system so you receive notifications by phone, text, and email automatically.

Step 2: Build Your Go-Bag

A go-bag should be packed and ready to grab in minutes. Include:

  • Copies of important documents: ID, insurance cards, passports, financial account information (or store digitally in the cloud)
  • Prescription medications and medical supplies — at least a one-week supply
  • Phone chargers and a portable battery bank
  • Cash (ATMs may not work during emergencies)
  • A change of clothing for each family member
  • Water and non-perishable food for 72 hours
  • N95 or KN95 masks for smoke protection
  • Pet supplies: food, water, carrier, vaccination records
  • Livestock plan: know your route and destination in advance

Step 3: Create Your Evacuation Plan

Discuss your evacuation plan with your household before a fire emergency. Key elements:

  • Identify two exit routes from your property and neighborhood — one route may be blocked by fire
  • Choose a meeting point outside your immediate area
  • Designate an out-of-area contact everyone can check in with
  • Know where the nearest shelter is (check with Red Cross or county emergency management)
  • Plan for pets and livestock in advance — do not leave them behind

Step 4: Harden Your Home

If time allows before a fire threatens, take these defensible space actions:

  • Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris from gutters, decks, and against the house foundation
  • Move firewood stacks at least 30 feet from the structure
  • Trim tree branches to at least 6 to 10 feet above the ground within 30 feet of the home
  • Remove dead vegetation from the immediate zone around the house
  • Close all windows, vents, and doors before leaving to slow ember intrusion

Step 5: Stay Informed

During active fire conditions:

  • Monitor InciWeb (inciweb.wildfire.gov) for official updates on nearby fires
  • Follow your county sheriff and emergency management offices on social media
  • Check NWFireWatch.com for regular news updates throughout the season
  • Download the Watch Duty app (watchduty.org) for real-time fire alerts
  • Monitor airnow.gov for air quality conditions

The time to prepare is before the emergency — not during it. Take these steps today. Your safety and the safety of your family depends on having a clear plan when conditions deteriorate rapidly, as they can during peak summer fire weather in the Pacific Northwest.