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Wildfire Evacuations

Evacuation updates and emergency information resources

Find wildfire evacuation updates, official emergency resources, county alert information, and guidance for staying prepared during active fire incidents in Southern Oregon and Northern California.

Evacuation orders are delivered in several ways and do vary from community to community. Some counties use mobile alerts such as CIVIC ALERT and RED ALERT to inform citizens of dangers and evacuations. Oregon Department of Forestry instituted a Ready, Set, Go standard for the State of Oregon. 

A good rule of thumb is that if you live in the state of Oregon you should always be at "Level 1 - Be Ready" as fire can erupt anywhere at anytime. 

Infographic with statistics on wildfire fires affecting American homes, showing one-third are in wildland-urban interface, small and large fires can destroy homes, fires ignite faster than firefighters arrive, and 90% of homes are destroyed once on fire.
Illustration of a house with a driveway and car, surrounded by trees and mountains with fire in the background, and the word 'READY' in bold white letters.
Illustration of a house surrounded by trees with a forest and mountains in the background, with the word 'SET' in large white letters.
A cartoon illustration of a house in a forest with flames in the background, the word 'READY' in bold white text in the center.

LEVEL 1 - BE READY

A Level 1 evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. 
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons with special needs, mobile property and (under certain circumstances) pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel may contact you via an emergency notification system. All residents should be at this level of readiness at all times!

LEVEL 2 - BE SET

A Level 2 evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate.  
This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.  Residents MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at their own risk. THIS MAY BE THE ONLY NOTICE THAT YOU RECEIVE. Emergency services cannot guarantee that they will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate. Area media services will be asked to broadcast periodic updates.


LEVEL 3 - GO! 

A Level 3 evacuation means that you need to LEAVE IMMEDIATELY!  
Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should evacuate immediately. If you choose to ignore this advisement, you must understand that emergency services may not be available to assist you further. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. Access to evacuated areas may be denied until conditions are safe for citizens to return. DO NOT plan to return to check on your house or animals. If it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them!

HWD Firewatch is a news and information resource and is not a replacement for official emergency alerts. Always follow instructions from your local sheriff’s office, emergency management agency, fire officials, and law enforcement.