Oregon and Washington Officials Urge Residents to Complete Wildfire Preparations Now, Before Peak Season

With early-season fire activity already recorded across the Columbia Gorge and southern Idaho, and forecasters projecting above-normal wildfire risk across the Pacific Northwest this summer, emergency managers in Oregon and Washington are issuing an urgent call: the time to prepare for wildfire evacuation is now, not when the smoke is already visible on the horizon.

Know Oregon's Three-Level Evacuation System

Oregon uses a standardized three-level evacuation notification system that residents need to understand before an emergency occurs. Knowing what each level means — and what action it requires — can be the difference between a safe, orderly departure and a dangerous last-minute scramble.

Level 1 — BE READY (Green): A wildfire threat exists in your area. Stay aware, monitor emergency channels, and prepare to leave. This is the time to locate important documents, check your go-bag, and prepare livestock or pets for transport.
Level 2 — BE SET (Yellow): Danger is increasing. Be prepared to leave at a moment's notice. Those with mobility limitations, medical needs, or large animals should begin evacuation now.
Level 3 — GO NOW (Red): Leave immediately. Do not wait for additional instructions or to gather belongings. Your life is in danger. Follow designated evacuation routes.

Washington uses a similar notification framework. Residents should check with their county emergency management office to understand local alert systems, including whether their community uses Wireless Emergency Alerts, Everbridge, or other platforms to broadcast evacuation notices.

Build Your Go-Bag Before You Need It

Fire officials and the American Red Cross recommend maintaining a pre-packed emergency go-bag year-round during fire season. At minimum, a wildfire go-bag should contain:

Prescription medications and medical supplies (at least a 7-day supply)
Copies of important documents: insurance policies, IDs, property records, financial account information
Water (one gallon per person per day for at least three days)
Non-perishable food for 72 hours
Phone charger, flashlight, and extra batteries
Cash in small bills (ATMs and card readers may be unavailable during evacuations)
N95 respirators for smoke protection
Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
First aid kit
Pet food, water, carrier, and vaccination records for animals

Plan Your Evacuation Routes

Emergency managers recommend identifying at least two evacuation routes from your home and neighborhood before a fire breaks out. Routes that seem obvious during normal conditions can be blocked by fire, smoke, or traffic during an actual emergency. Drive your routes in advance, note the locations of bridges or other potential bottlenecks, and coordinate with neighbors about how you will communicate and assist each other during an evacuation.

For rural residents, particularly those on long driveways or in areas with limited road access, early departure at Level 1 or Level 2 notifications is strongly recommended. Waiting for a Level 3 order in areas with limited egress can be life-threatening.

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Every county in Oregon and Washington has an emergency alert registration system for notifications beyond wireless emergency broadcasts. These systems allow residents to receive phone calls, texts, or emails tied to their specific address. Sign-up links are available through your county emergency management office website. Do not assume that because you have a smartphone you will automatically receive all emergency alerts — address-based enrollment is a separate step.

The 30-Minute Rule

First responders across the Pacific Northwest are emphasizing what they call the 30-minute preparedness window: research shows that residents who have pre-packed bags, know their routes, and have discussed evacuation plans with their households can be moving within 30 minutes of receiving a Go Now order. Residents without those plans in place routinely take 90 minutes or more to gather essential items and begin moving — a delay that can prove fatal when fire conditions are changing rapidly.