Preparing for wildfire season
Wildfires can start in an instant. The combination of drought, warmer temperatures, high winds and an excess of fuels has made fire seasons progressively more challenging. Wildfires have surpassed flooding hazards as Washington state’s biggest threat.
Fire conditions can change rapidly causing evacuation levels to quickly change from ‘1’ to ‘3’ without notice. Your work routine and/or duty station may be impacted. When evacuations become necessary, local officials provide information to the public through the news media and social media sites. In some circumstances, other warning methods, such text alerts, emails or telephone calls are used. Visit the Department of Natural Resources website for a list of local county emergency management social media contacts.
Now is the time to review evacuation terminology and take action to be prepared. Wildfire season is here.
- LEVEL 1 — READY
Current and projected threats from approaching fire(s) are severe.
Prepare to leave the area. Local authorities (Sheriff or Emergency Management) will ask area radio stations to broadcast periodic updates as conditions change. If conditions worsen, local authorities may attempt to contact you. If you are absent from your home for more than a short period of time, leave a note with your name and a contact telephone number in a visible location.
- LEVEL 2 — SET
Significant risk exists.
You should self-evacuate. Approaching fire(s) may severely limit the ability of local authorities to provide emergency service protection. Dangerous conditions may threaten buildings. Fire and law enforcement working in the area will provide specific information about when to leave and the route(s) to take. Local authorities will ask area radio stations to broadcast updates as conditions change. The Red Cross will not deploy to, or remain in, an area under a Level 2 notice.
- LEVEL 3 — GO
Imminent danger exists and threatens your life and safety.
You must leave now. Local authorities (Sheriff or Emergency Management) personnel will advise you of specific routes to take. If you do not leave, emergency services may not be available to assist you. No one will be allowed into the area until it is safe. Area radio stations will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.