May is Wildfire Awareness Month across Oregon and Washington, and this year fire agencies and emergency managers are pushing especially hard to ensure that residents in wildland-urban interface communities understand the evacuation warning system and are prepared to act quickly when conditions deteriorate.

Oregon's Three-Level Evacuation System

Oregon uses a standardized three-level evacuation system to communicate urgency and required actions to residents during wildfire emergencies. Understanding these levels before an emergency occurs is critical — the time between a Level 1 advisory and a life-threatening Level 3 order can sometimes be measured in minutes.

  • Level 1 — BE READY (Green): A wildfire threat exists in your area. Stay aware, monitor updates, and ensure your go-bag and preparations are complete. You may leave if you choose to.
  • Level 2 — BE SET (Yellow): Danger is increasing. Be prepared to leave immediately. Gather family, pets, and essential items. Keep monitoring official alerts.
  • Level 3 — GO NOW (Red): Leave immediately. Do not stop to gather belongings. Emergency responders may not be able to assist you. Check TripCheck.com or call 511 for evacuation routes.

Building Your Go-Bag

Emergency managers recommend that every household in fire-prone areas maintain a go-bag that can be grabbed in moments. Recommended contents include:

  • Copies of important documents (ID, insurance policies, medication list)
  • Prescription medications and a three-day supply
  • Water and non-perishable food for 72 hours
  • Phone charger and portable battery pack
  • N95 respirator masks for smoke protection
  • Cash in small bills
  • Change of clothes and sturdy shoes
  • Pet food, carriers, and vaccination records for animals

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Oregon and Washington counties use a variety of emergency notification systems to issue evacuation orders and warnings. Residents should sign up for their county's alert system now — before a fire emergency — to ensure they receive timely notifications. Alert systems in Oregon include AlertSense, Everbridge, and Nixle platforms depending on the county. Washington counties similarly use Everbridge, AlertSense, and the Washington Emergency Alert system.

In addition to county alerts, Oregon Emergency Management and Washington Emergency Management Division maintain statewide communication channels. Following your state emergency management agency on social media provides an additional layer of situational awareness.

Wildfire Insurance Gaps

Oregon officials are also using Wildfire Awareness Month to draw attention to a growing wildfire insurance crisis. In recent years, some insurers have canceled or declined to renew policies in high-risk areas, leaving homeowners exposed. Residents are encouraged to review their current insurance coverage, understand what is and is not covered under their policies, and consult with their agent about any gaps.

With a potentially severe fire season forecast for 2026, the message from emergency managers is clear: the best time to prepare is now, before the first evacuation order arrives. Those who plan ahead are far more likely to evacuate safely and return to their homes intact.