With the Pacific Northwest entering its most dangerous wildfire season in years, fire preparedness experts say the time to act is now — before smoke fills the sky and evacuation orders arrive. This guide covers the most critical steps homeowners and renters in fire-prone areas across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho can take in the coming days and weeks to protect their families and properties.
Step 1: Sign Up for Emergency Alerts
The single most important preparedness step is signing up for your county's emergency alert system. These systems deliver evacuation orders by phone call, text, and email — giving you precious extra minutes when a fire moves fast.
- Oregon: OregonEmergencyAlerts.com — statewide alert system
- Washington: Alert.wa.gov — register by county
- Idaho: Contact your county emergency management office; many use CodeRED or Everbridge
Also download the FEMA app, which delivers emergency alerts even when cell networks are congested.
Step 2: Know Your Evacuation Zone and Routes
Identify your home's location within your county's evacuation zone map before a fire starts. Oregon, Washington, and many Idaho counties use zone-based systems with online maps. Know at least two routes out of your neighborhood — one primary and one alternate — and drive them ahead of time so they are familiar in an emergency.
Step 3: Build or Update Your Go-Bag
A go-bag should be ready to grab in two minutes or less. It should include:
- At least 72 hours of prescription medications
- Copies of vital documents (ID, insurance, financial records) — or a USB drive with digital copies
- Cash (ATMs may be down during evacuations)
- Phone charger and portable battery
- N95 masks for smoke protection
- Water (at least 1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- Non-perishable food for 3 days
- Change of clothes and sturdy footwear
- First aid kit
- Copies of pet vaccination records and food for 3 days
Step 4: Create Defensible Space
For homeowners in fire-prone areas, defensible space is the most effective way to protect a structure. Clear the area immediately around your home in two zones:
- Zone 1 (0–30 feet from the home): Remove dead vegetation, maintain green and moist plants, keep grass mowed short, clear leaves from roof and gutters, space plants to prevent fire laddering from ground to roof.
- Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce fuel density by spacing shrubs and trees, remove dead material, and reduce the continuity of vegetation that allows fire to spread rapidly toward the home.
Many Oregon, Washington, and Idaho counties offer free defensible space inspections during fire season — contact your local fire district to ask.
Step 5: Harden Your Home
Research shows that most homes destroyed in wildfires ignite from embers landing on or near vulnerable parts of the structure — not from direct flame contact. Key hardening steps:
- Install ember-resistant vents or cover vents with 1/16 inch metal mesh
- Replace wood shake roofing with Class A fire-rated materials if possible
- Seal gaps around eaves, soffits, and the foundation
- Store firewood, propane tanks, and patio furniture away from the house
- Keep decks clear of debris and combustible materials
Step 6: Prepare for Smoke
Even if your home is not directly threatened, smoke can be a serious health hazard for hundreds of miles from active fires. Stock N95 respirators, stock replacement furnace filters (MERV-13 or higher), and identify the cleanest room in your home where you can shelter. Track air quality at AirNow.gov or through local county air quality agency websites.
Current Restrictions and Resources
Check the following resources for current fire restrictions and conditions in your area:
- Oregon fire restrictions: oregon.gov/odf
- Washington fire restrictions: dnr.wa.gov/wildfire
- Idaho fire restrictions: idl.idaho.gov
- Active incidents: inciweb.wildfire.gov
- National preparedness level: nifc.gov