Pacific Northwest Wildfire Preparedness: What You Need to Do Right Now

With fire danger escalating across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho and the NIFC forecasting an above-normal fire season through September, now is the time for residents in fire-prone communities to take concrete preparedness steps — not when flames are on the ridgeline.

Here is what fire officials and emergency managers recommend doing this week.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Oregon and Washington both use a three-level evacuation notification system. Understanding it before a fire starts could save your life:

Level 1 — Ready: A wildfire threat exists in the area. Review your evacuation plan, prepare your go-bag, and be ready to act quickly if conditions change.
Level 2 — Set: Gather your family, pets, medications, and go-bag. Be prepared to leave immediately. If you have mobility challenges or care for animals or elderly family members, consider leaving now.
Level 3 — Go Now: Leave immediately. Do not wait for further notifications. Roads may close without warning.

Portland metro area residents can now use the new address-searchable evacuation maps launched by Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington counties to find their specific zone. Residents throughout Oregon should visit their county emergency management website to look up their zone now.

Build Your Go-Bag

A go-bag should be packed and accessible — not assembled during an evacuation. Include:

Medications (30-day supply if possible) and medical equipment
Important documents in a waterproof container (ID, insurance, deeds, emergency contacts)
Three days of food and water per person and pet
Phone chargers and a portable battery pack
N95 or P100 respirator masks for smoke
Cash in small bills
A change of clothes and sturdy shoes

Create Defensible Space

Oregon and Washington both require homeowners in high-risk zones to maintain defensible space around structures. This means:

Zone 1 (0-30 feet): Remove dead vegetation, clear gutters of pine needles and leaves, space plants and trees to prevent fire from climbing into the canopy, and move wood piles away from the house.
Zone 2 (30-100 feet): Reduce fuel continuity. Space trees at least 10 feet apart (crown to crown). Trim lower branches to at least six feet off the ground. Mow grasses regularly.

Sign Up for Alerts

Emergency notifications can be the difference between a successful evacuation and a tragedy. Sign up now through:

Oregon: OregonAlerts.com — statewide notification system
Washington: AlertSense or your county's emergency management office
Idaho: Your county's emergency management website

Also monitor AirNow.gov for air quality and fire.airnow.gov for the real-time Fire and Smoke Map. The National Weather Service (weather.gov) issues Red Flag Warnings — sign up for those through the Wireless Emergency Alert system on your phone.

Prepare Your Property Now

Oregon Department of Forestry is encouraging all residents in fire-prone areas to clear fallen limbs and brush from their properties before conditions deteriorate. Fire danger on ODF Southwest Oregon District-protected lands is already increasing to "moderate."