Evacuation Zones in Effect Across Oregon and Washington: Know Your Level and Be Ready to Go

With 30 large fires burning across Oregon and Washington, evacuation orders and warnings are in place in multiple counties. While containment has improved on some of Oregon's largest fires — leading to the downgrade of some evacuation levels in recent days — officials warn that changing fire weather this week could quickly reverse that progress. Here's what residents in fire-affected areas need to know.

Oregon's Three-Level Evacuation System

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation system, and understanding what each level means can save lives:

Level 1 — Be Ready: Be aware of the danger and be prepared to leave quickly. Monitor local media and emergency alerts. Have your go-bag packed and your important documents ready.
Level 2 — Be Set: Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. This is a voluntary evacuation — you may leave now or be ready to leave immediately when ordered. Those with mobility challenges, animals, or who need extra time to prepare should leave now.
Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait for more information. There is immediate danger in your area. Follow designated evacuation routes.

Active Evacuation Areas: What We Know

As of August 24, 2026, officials have been downgrading evacuation levels in some areas as containment improves on the Rowe Creek Complex and the Big Grass Fire. Oregon Department of Forestry spokesperson Jim Gersbach confirmed that containment has risen significantly for several of Oregon's largest fires, allowing some Level 2 and Level 3 zones to be reduced to Level 1 in Wheeler, Malheur, and Lake counties.

However, newer fires with 0% containment — including the Austin Fire near Estacada (Mt. Hood National Forest) and the Paradise Fire south of Pendleton (Umatilla National Forest) — are actively threatening areas where evacuation notices have been issued. Residents near those fires should have Level 1 or higher status confirmed through their county emergency management office.

Washington Evacuation Zones

Washington uses a similar color-coded system — Red (Go), Orange (Be Ready to Go), and Yellow (Be Ready) — managed through the DNR and county emergency management offices. Evacuations previously in effect for areas near the Old Trails, Autumn Lane, and Upriver fires in Spokane and Stevens counties have been lifted as those fires reached containment. However, residents near active fires in Okanogan, Chelan, and Ferry counties should monitor their county alert systems closely as fire weather deteriorates this week.

Preparing for Evacuation

NWCC and Oregon OEM urge all residents in fire-prone areas to take the following steps before an evacuation order is issued:

Know your evacuation zone — look it up now at your county's emergency management website
Sign up for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) and your county's local alert system
Prepare a go-bag with essentials: medications, documents (ID, insurance), water, food, phone charger, clothing for 3+ days
Plan for pets and livestock — identify a destination that accepts animals
Know at least two evacuation routes out of your neighborhood
If you use oxygen or have other medical needs, pre-register with your county emergency management office
Don't wait for a Level 3 order if you have mobility challenges — leave at Level 2 or even Level 1

Resources for Evacuees