Oregon Urges Residents to Prepare for Wildfire Evacuations

Oregon officials are reminding residents to prepare for wildfire emergencies as the state continues to face periods of elevated fire danger.

The Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) has urged residents to know their evacuation routes, sign up for emergency alerts and keep an emergency go-kit ready. State officials have also emphasized that wildfire conditions can change rapidly.

What Residents Need to Know

Wildfires can affect homes, businesses, transportation and other community services. Preparing before an evacuation order is issued can give households more time to leave safely.

Oregon uses a three-level evacuation notification system:

• Level 1 — BE READY: Stay informed, prepare your go-kit and be ready to evacuate.
• Level 2 — BE SET: There is significant danger. Be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice.
• Level 3 — GO NOW: Extreme danger is present. Residents should leave immediately and follow official evacuation instructions.

Residents do not have to wait for an official evacuation order if they feel unsafe. Oregon officials advise people to make decisions based on their circumstances and changing conditions.

Prepare Before an Evacuation

OEM recommends creating an evacuation plan that includes multiple routes from home, work or school. Families should also establish a communication plan and identify a meeting place outside the hazard area.

Households should consider the needs of children, older adults, people with disabilities, pets and livestock when making their plans.

Residents should also prepare a go-kit containing essential supplies such as medications, important documents, water and other items that may be needed during an evacuation.

Stay Connected to Local Alerts

Residents can sign up for emergency notifications through ORAlert.gov, which provides alerts based on location.

Officials also recommend monitoring county emergency-management websites, local law enforcement and fire agencies for evacuation information. Wireless Emergency Alerts should also be enabled on mobile phones.

For road conditions and evacuation routes, residents can use TripCheck.com or call 511.

Rural and Wildland-Urban Interface Communities

Residents living near forests, grasslands and other wildfire-prone areas should pay particular attention to evacuation planning and property preparedness.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal recommends residents understand Oregon’s evacuation levels, keep emergency supplies ready and take steps to prevent human-caused wildfires. The agency notes that most wildfires in Oregon are human-caused.

Looking Ahead

Oregon’s wildfire preparedness efforts continue throughout the year. In September 2026, Governor Tina Kotek proclaimed September Preparedness Month, with OEM emphasizing household and community readiness for disasters.

For residents, the most important steps are straightforward: know your evacuation routes, sign up for alerts, prepare a go-kit and understand what Oregon’s evacuation levels mean.