Wildfire Preparedness: What Pacific Northwest Homeowners Should Do Right Now

With multiple large wildfires burning across eastern Washington and north Idaho — and fire weather conditions expected to remain critical through the week — fire safety officials are urging Pacific Northwest homeowners, particularly those near forested or shrubland areas, to take immediate steps to prepare their homes and families.

Create Defensible Space — Now

Defensible space is the buffer you create between your home and the vegetation that could fuel a wildfire. Washington State and Oregon DNR recommend the following zones:

Zone 1 (0–30 feet from the structure): Remove all dead plants, grass, and leaves. Keep the lawn mowed and well-watered. Remove dead branches within 10 feet of any chimney. Clear all debris from the roof and gutters.
Zone 2 (30–100 feet from the structure): Cut and clear grass when it exceeds 4 inches. Space plants and shrubs to reduce fire's ability to ladder into tree canopies. Remove any dying or dead vegetation. On slopes, extend these zones farther because fire travels uphill rapidly.

Washington DNR and the KING5 feature "Before the Flame" highlight how forest thinning and defensible space are among the most cost-effective strategies for protecting homes, with a recommendation to keep vegetation at least 30 feet from structures whenever possible.

Prepare Your Go-Bag

Every member of your household should be able to leave within minutes if a Level 3 evacuation order is issued. Prepare a go-bag that includes:

Important documents (IDs, insurance policies, deeds) in a waterproof pouch
Prescription medications — at least a 7-day supply
Clothing for 3–5 days
Phone chargers and a portable battery bank
Cash in small bills
Water (at least one gallon per person per day for 72 hours)
Food for 72 hours
First aid kit
N95 masks for smoke protection
Leashes, carriers, and food for pets

Know Your Evacuation Zone

Eastern Washington counties use a three-level evacuation system. Before an emergency occurs, identify your parcel's evacuation zone using your county sheriff's online zone map or the Zonehaven platform used by many Washington counties. Know your primary and secondary evacuation routes, and identify a meeting point for your family if you become separated.

Harden Your Home

If time permits before a fire approaches:

Move patio furniture, doormats, and woodpiles away from the structure
Close all windows, doors, and vents to slow smoke entry
Leave exterior lights on so the structure is visible in smoke
Connect garden hoses and fill any pools, hot tubs, or large containers with water for firefighters
Place a ladder outside so firefighters can access the roof

Sign Up for Emergency Alerts

Every Pacific Northwest resident in fire-prone areas should sign up for their county's emergency alert system. In Washington, many counties use the CodeRED or Everbridge platforms. In Oregon, counties use a variety of systems accessible through Oregon's Emergency Management Division. These systems allow authorities to push evacuation orders directly to your phone.