With the Pacific Northwest experiencing one of its most intense early-season fire outbreaks in recent memory, fire safety officials are urging residents in fire-prone communities across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to review their preparedness plans — and to act now before a fire threatens their neighborhood.
Know Your Risk
Wildfire risk in the Pacific Northwest is highest in the wildland-urban interface (WUI) — the zone where homes and human development meet or mix with undeveloped wildland vegetation. Eastern Oregon, eastern Washington, and southern Idaho are experiencing the most active fire conditions this season, but WUI communities west of the Cascades are not immune, as the East Evans Creek Fire near Medford has demonstrated.
Build Your Go-Bag
If you live in a fire-prone area, you should already have an emergency go-bag packed and ready. At minimum, include:
- Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, deeds)
- Medications (at least a 7-day supply)
- Phone charger and backup battery
- Cash
- N95 respirators for smoke
- Change of clothes for several days
- Water and non-perishable food
- First aid kit
Know Your Evacuation Zone
Oregon, Washington, and Idaho all use tiered evacuation systems. Oregon and Washington use a three-level system:
- Level 1 (Be Ready): Be aware and prepare
- Level 2 (Be Set): Be ready to leave at a moment's notice
- Level 3 (Go Now): Leave immediately — do not wait
Find your zone by contacting your county sheriff's office or visiting your county's emergency management website. Sign up for emergency alerts through your county's notification system and through the Oregon Office of Emergency Management's OR-Alert system or Washington's AlertWA.
Harden Your Home
If time allows before a fire approaches, these home hardening steps can significantly improve your structure's survival odds:
- Clear a 0–5 foot non-combustible zone immediately around your home (Zone 1)
- Maintain a reduced-fuel zone from 5–30 feet (Zone 2) and 30–100 feet (Zone 3)
- Clean gutters and roofs of dead leaves and debris
- Close all vents, windows, and pet doors if threatened
- Move propane tanks away from structures
- Remove firewood piles stored against the house
Air Quality Protection
Wildfire smoke is a serious health hazard. During active smoke events:
- Check AirNow.gov and OregonSmoke.org for real-time air quality data
- Reduce outdoor activity when AQI exceeds 100 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups)
- Create a clean air room in your home by running a HEPA air purifier
- N95 respirators (properly fitted) provide meaningful protection from smoke particles
Stay Informed
- NIFC National Fire News: nifc.gov
- InciWeb incident information: inciweb.wildfire.gov
- Oregon Smoke Information: oregonsmoke.org
- Washington Smoke Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com
- Oregon OEM: oregon.gov/oem
- Washington DNR Fires: dnr.wa.gov
- AirNow: airnow.gov
The best time to prepare for a wildfire is before one starts. Don't wait until evacuation orders are issued — by then, roads may be congested and conditions may deteriorate rapidly. Prepare now.