Wildfire season coming; Know evacuation levels, be prepared
As we enter fire season, the sheriffs and emergency managers of Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson counties and their partner agencies said Wednesday they want to insure you understand the three-level evacuation system and where to get current information regarding fire activity.
Level 1: Be Ready
There is an incident in your area and residents should be aware of potential evacuation. Be aware of the danger, monitor emergency services sources and local media for information. Those persons who will need additional time to exit an area or have health conditions (especially respiratory conditions that could be made worse by smoke) should consider leaving. You are encouraged to prepare or even move livestock and pets out of the area. Be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Level 2: Get Set
There is significant danger in your area and residents should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. You are encouraged to leave and should do so as soon as possible. If you choose to stay, you should be able to leave immediately if conditions worsen. You MAY have time to gather necessary items, but doing so is at your own risk. Entry to evacuated areas may be denied until the hazard subsides.
This may be the only notice you receive. Emergency services cannot guarantee we will be able to notify you if conditions rapidly deteriorate.
Level 3: Go Now!
There is immediate and imminent danger and you should evacuate immediately. DO NOT delay leaving to gather any belongings or make efforts to protect your home. Leave immediately and as quickly as possible. Drive carefully, turn on your headlights, and follow any directions from emergency services personnel. Entry to evacuated areas will be denied until the hazard subsides.
Residents are encouraged to follow local media, as well as the below sources of information to stay current on fire activity.
Current maps including evacuation areas in Deschutes County can be found at:
For more information, you can visit the Central Oregon Fire Information site at:
http://centralorfireinfo.blogspot.com/
With this in mind, they urge you to take a look around your property in the “home ignition zone” where glowing embers can ignite spot fires and vulnerable areas like decks, patios and fences that can spread flames to your home. You can improve your home chance of survival by taking action before there’s smoke on the horizon:
Create defensible space around your home
Are your gutters and roof valleys free from debris like pine needles and leaves? Clean them out. Despite a metal or asphalt shingle roof, the buildup of gutter debris provides necessary fuel for the glowing embers to ignite adjacent fascia boards or siding — most often made of wood.
Do your shrubs and weeds provide a path of fuel for fire to reach your trees or home? Reduce shrubs and other “ladder fuels” for at least 30 ft around your home to reduce the threat of ground fires igniting nearby trees, or your home.
What can catch fire on your deck or patio or near your fence? Remove weeds, shrubs or any combustible materials from around, under or on top of your deck, patio or wood fence. This includes toys, planters, construction materials, patio furniture and cushions along with even small piles of pine needles or leaves.
Is your woodpile near your home or other combustible vegetation? Move woodpiles at least 20 feet away from your home or other combustibles.
For more information, go to: www.firefree.org
They also encouraged you and your family to have a plan, get a kit, and stay informed regarding known or potential hazards in your area.
For more information, go to: www.redcross.org
