May is Wildfire Awareness Month — and this year, fire officials across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho say the message has never been more urgent. With record-low snowpack, severe drought, and a challenging season already underway, now is the time to take action before the peak of fire season arrives.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek officially declared May 2026 as Wildfire Awareness Month and has urged residents to use the next few weeks to harden their homes, build defensible space, and create evacuation plans while conditions are still manageable.

Defensible Space: Your First Line of Defense

Defensible space is the buffer between your home and the wildland vegetation that could carry fire to your structure. Fire officials recommend:

  • Zone 1 (0 to 30 feet from your home): Remove dead plants, grass, and leaves. Keep grass mowed. Clear roof and gutters of dead leaves and debris. Remove branches that overhang your roof or touch your chimney.
  • Zone 2 (30 to 100 feet from your home): Cut or mow annual grasses to a maximum of 4 inches. Create horizontal spacing between shrubs and trees. Remove dead plant material.

Download the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Defensible Space Checklist at preventwildfires.oregon.gov and sign up for a free home assessment.

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Oregon, Washington, and Idaho use a tiered evacuation system:

  • Level 1 (Ready): Be aware and prepared to leave at a moment's notice.
  • Level 2 (Set): Be ready to leave immediately. Prepare your go-bag now if you have not already.
  • Level 3 (Go!): Leave immediately. Do not wait for officials to come to you.

Find your county's evacuation zone map now — before you need it. Many counties use the Emergency Alert System and apps like AlertSense or Everbridge for notifications. Register your mobile number to receive alerts.

Go-Bag Essentials

Prepare a go-bag for every member of your household:

  • Important documents (IDs, insurance, medications list)
  • Three days of medications
  • Phone chargers and a battery bank
  • Changes of clothing
  • N95 masks for smoke
  • Water and non-perishable food (at least 72 hours)
  • Pet supplies, leash, and carrier

Prevent Human-Caused Fires

More than 60% of Oregon wildfires in 2025 were human-caused. The leading cause is burning yard debris. Before burning anything outdoors, check the Before You Burn app (beforeyouburn.net) to confirm local burn status and weather conditions. Never burn on windy days, never leave a fire unattended, and always fully extinguish with water — not dirt.

For resources, checklists, and local events, visit preventwildfires.oregon.gov. Idaho residents can learn more at idahofire.idaho.gov and Washington residents at dnr.wa.gov/wildfire.