Fire season is here. How fire evacuation levels work in Washington state

In eastern Washington, hot weather is accompanied by fire season. Once the precipitation slows and temperatures rise, the steppe climate is prone to wildfires. Every year, there are wildfires throughout the summer, with peak activity between July and October.

Fourth of July celebrations can easily exacerbate the surge of wildfires, as residents ignore firework regulations and instead set off full-scale fireworks, even while living through a drought in a desert-like area.

This summer is no exception. Area wildfires have been popping up for a while now, and just earlier this week, Tri-Cities fire crews responded to five separate fires in five hours.

Sometimes the fires encroach on residential areas. Especially while living in a highly flammable area, residents should know what potential evacuations look like, just in case the next fire is in their neighborhood.

WA fire evacuation levels

Most counties in Washington use the Ready, Set, Go evacuation level system, the only exceptions are Clallam and Wahkiakum who use their own emergency management plans.

The Ready, Set, Go system has three distinct evacuation levels.

▪ Level One: Ready

A level one evacuation notice serves as a warning to residents that danger exists in their area. When this occurs, you should assemble your go bag, if you haven’t already, coordinate a plan with your household and frequently check for updates from local agencies and media.

Evacuations are not required at this time. However, anyone who is sensitive to smoke may consider leaving, as well as pet owners and others with special needs during a fire.

▪ Level Two: Set

A level two evacuation notice means there is significant danger. Your go bag should be on hand, ready to go. Continue to check for updates, as temporary shelters are generally available at this stage.

If you choose to wait out a level two evacuation notice, you should be ready to evacuate at any moment.

▪ Level Three: Go

A level three evacuation notice means you must evacuate immediately, and the threat has become imminent. Emergency services may not be able to help residents who do not evacuate at level three. Area residents are not recommended to gather personal items or protect their property at this point, but to leave within moments of the notice.

Go bag checklist for fire evacuation

What should you get for your go bag?

If time permits, the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildfire Evacuation Plan recommends the “six P’s” to have ready in case of fire emergency:

• People and pets

• Papers, phone numbers, important documents

• Prescriptions, vitamins, glasses

• Pictures and irreplaceable memorabilia

• Personal computer hard drive and disks

• Plastic (credit cards, ATM) and cash

The Ready for Wildfire organization also offers a go bag checklist:

• Face masks/coverings for smoke

• Three-day supply of nonperishable food (plus pet food and water, if applicable)

• Three gallons of water per person

• Map with evacuation routes

• Prescriptions, special medications

• Change of clothes

• Extra glasses, contact lenses

• Extra set of car keys, credit cards, cash or traveler’s checks

• First aid kit

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries

• Sanitation supplies

• Copies of important documents

• Priceless items

If you’re in an early evacuation level before going to bed, make sure to turn on your phone’s sound, in case you receive an emergency notification. Keep a flashlight and sturdy shoes nearby in case you have to get up and immediately evacuate.

When you leave your home, cover up to protect yourself. Depending on the fire’s proximity, you may have to dress in long clothing and cover exposed skin. Be mindful of smoke inhalation and keep masks on hand.

Preparing for fireworks during fire season

Even when they are not permitted, fireworks are going to get set off around the Fourth of July. Keeping this in mind, Benton County Fire District 2 has recommendations for protecting your property ahead of fireworks.

While it’s good practice to remove flammable materials within five feet of your home this time of year anyway, BCFD2 recommends extra care before firework celebrations. Be sure to clear debris out of your gutters to ensure nothing can catch fire if a firework lands in the gutter.

You should also remove dry brush from around your home, and hose down any bark or mulch throughout the day. Consider running a sprinkler in your yard during firework displays.

Create what’s referred to as defensible space around your home by ensuring there is a buffer space between any buildings on your property and the flammable materials surrounding it, like trees, shrubs and other vegetation.

“This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it protects your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat,” states the BCFD2 article on protecting your home from wildfires. “Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.”

This article contains information from a previous work published in April 2024 by Karlee Van De Venter.

This story was originally published July 3, 2025 at 2:57 PM with the headline "Fire season is here. How fire evacuation levels work in Washington state."