As we continue to experience dry and hot weather, our region is at continued risk for wildfires. Just this week in Spokane, a structure fire quickly evolved into a wildfire that consumed more than 100 acres, destroyed one home and two other structures. Hundreds of homes and residents were under various evacuation levels during this incident.
This is a reminder and opportunity to review and understand the evacuation levels and take preparedness steps for you and your family in the event of a wildfire or other emergency.
Wildfire Evacuation Levels
- Level 1 Evacuation Notice: Get READY to leave! Residents are asked to prepare to leave your current location. Conditions could get worse due to the incident in your area. Continue to monitor your phone and local media for more information.
- Level 2 Evacuation Notice: Get SET to leave! Residents are being notified to be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. Dangerous conditions exist due to the incident in your area. If you or anyone at your location needs extra time, have pets or livestock, you are strongly encouraged to evacuate at this time. A shelter location is being established--continue to monitor your phone and local media for more information.
- Level 3 Evacuation Notice: GO, Leave Immediately! Residents are being notified that there is an immediate threat to your safety due to the incident.
Preparedness Tips for Wildfire
While this is not an exhaustive list of preparedness tips, they are helpful in getting you started.
- Assemble an emergency preparedness kit. Now is a great time to replenish your kit if you already have one.
- Create a household evacuation plan that includes your pets. Make sure everyone has a single point of contact to check-in with in case you are not together.
- Stay informed about your community’s risk and response plans.
- Create a “Go-Kit” to include important items such as documents, prescriptions, pictures, credit cards, etc.
- Take video inventory of your home and valuables. This may be useful when working with your insurance company after a fire or loss.
- Practice your evacuation plan with your family.
Here are additional resources on Wildfire Preparedness: