Oregon emergency management officials are using May's Wildfire Awareness Month to deliver a clear message to residents statewide: with one of the most dangerous fire seasons in recent history forecast for 2026, preparation must begin now — not when smoke is already visible on the horizon.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has issued a formal call to action, asking residents across all regions of the state to take immediate steps to protect themselves and their families. The department's guidance reflects the reality that fire is no longer solely a summer phenomenon in Oregon, with early-season incidents already occurring in the Columbia Gorge, Central Oregon, and Southern Oregon during May 2026.

Pack Your Go-Bag

OEM recommends that every household member — including pets and livestock — have a prepared emergency kit ready to grab at a moment's notice. A go-bag should include:

  • Water: one gallon per person per day (three-day minimum for evacuation)
  • Non-perishable food for at least 72 hours
  • A seven-day supply of medications if possible
  • First aid kit, flashlight, and backup battery charger
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA weather radio
  • Copies of personal documents: ID, insurance policies, medications list
  • Extra cash, a printed area map, and multi-purpose tool

Know Your Routes and Your Evacuation Levels

Every household should identify at least two evacuation routes from their property and confirm where they would go in the event of a fire emergency. Residents should understand Oregon's three-level evacuation system and know that Level 3 — "Go Now" — means immediate departure is required with no delay to gather additional belongings.

Officials also recommend that residents register with their county's emergency alert notification system, which can deliver text, call, or email warnings during evacuations. Many notifications will arrive with little lead time during fast-moving fire events.

Review Your Insurance

Insurance and wildfire risk experts have flagged growing concerns about coverage gaps among Oregon homeowners, particularly in rural and wildland-urban interface (WUI) communities. Officials urge residents to review their policies now to understand coverage limits, verify that rebuilding costs are adequately covered, and contact their insurer if there are questions about wildfire-specific provisions.

Create Defensible Space

One of the most impactful actions a homeowner can take to reduce wildfire risk is maintaining defensible space. Oregon's rules require clearing a minimum zone around structures:

  • Zone 1 (0–30 feet): Remove dead vegetation, keep grass cut short, clear gutters and roof of debris
  • Zone 2 (30–100 feet): Reduce fuel density, thin trees to reduce canopy continuity, remove ladder fuels

With counties already declaring drought emergencies and multiple wildfires having already burned in the state this season, Oregon officials are emphatic: the most effective time to act is before a fire is at your door, not after.