With the Pacific Northwest experiencing one of its most active mid-July wildfire periods in recent years, fire management and emergency management agencies are urging residents across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho to take immediate preparedness steps — before a fire reaches their area.

Know the Three Levels

Oregon and Washington both use a three-level evacuation system. Understanding what each level means could save your life:

  • Level 1 — Be Ready: A wildfire is in your area. Be aware and be prepared to leave. Pack your go-bag, load medications, pets, and important documents. Know your route out.
  • Level 2 — Be Set: The danger to your area has increased significantly. You should be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Vulnerable individuals (elderly, those with disabilities, those with livestock) should leave NOW.
  • Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. This is not a suggestion. Fire is imminent or occurring in your area. Do not stop to collect belongings. Follow official evacuation routes.

Build Your Go-Bag Today

Every household in fire-prone areas should have a ready-to-grab emergency kit. Recommended contents include:

  • Copies of important documents (ID, insurance, prescriptions, deeds)
  • At least three days of medications
  • Phone chargers and a portable battery bank
  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
  • Water (one gallon per person per day, three days minimum)
  • Non-perishable food
  • Cash in small bills
  • N95 masks for smoke protection
  • Copies of pet vaccination records and carriers or leashes

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

County-level alert systems are the fastest way to receive evacuation notices. Sign up now — not when a fire is already at your doorstep:

  • Oregon: OregonEmergency.gov — find your county alert system
  • Washington: AlertSense or your county emergency management office
  • Idaho: ReadyIdaho.gov

Make sure your cell phone is registered with your current residential address, as wireless emergency alerts are geo-targeted. Landline users should register with their county system separately, as cell-tower-based alerts may not reach landlines.

Defensible Space: It's Not Too Late

Even in the middle of fire season, creating defensible space around your home can make a significant difference in whether your structure survives a passing fire. Priorities include:

  • Clear dead vegetation, dry leaves, and pine needles from within 30 feet of your home
  • Move firewood and propane tanks at least 30 feet from structures
  • Trim branches that hang within 10 feet of your roof or chimney
  • Clear gutters and remove debris that could catch embers
  • Identify and patch gaps in vents where embers could enter

Livestock and Large Animals

Evacuating with large animals requires advance planning. Load horses and livestock before a Level 3 order is issued — trailer access roads can become congested or cut off quickly. Know where your nearest large-animal evacuation facility is located. Many county fairgrounds serve as emergency livestock shelters during wildfire events.

Monitor Conditions

Keep these resources bookmarked:

  • InciWeb: inciweb.wildfire.gov — official incident information
  • AirNow: airnow.gov — real-time air quality
  • Oregon Smoke: oregonsmoke.org — Oregon DEQ smoke conditions
  • Washington Smoke Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com
  • NW FireWatch: nwfirewatch.com — Pacific Northwest fire news

The conditions that drive wildfire behavior in the Pacific Northwest this summer are unlikely to change significantly before August. Treat preparedness as an ongoing practice, not a one-time checklist.