Wildfire preparedness starts before smoke fills the sky

In the Pacific Northwest, wildfire season has become part of how many of us think about summer. Even when flames are miles away, smoke, changing conditions, and evacuation alerts can quickly affect daily life. 

That’s why preparedness matters before a fire is nearby. A 2019 PEMCO Northwest Poll found that 71% of Washington and Oregon residents believed worsening air quality during wildfire season was a new reality here to stay, and nearly 60% said they had already been affected by smoke from fires burning elsewhere in the region. 

Those concerns have only grown. A 2024 PEMCO Northwest Poll found that 82% of Northwest residents are concerned about wildfires threatening their homes, property, or personal safety. 

But concern doesn’t always turn into action. According to PEMCO’s 2024 poll, more than one in four residents (26%) say they don’t take precautions before wildfire threats become imminent. For the Love of Prevention means taking simple steps now so you can feel more confident later. 

At PEMCO, we believe prevention should be practical, clear,and easy to act on. That’s part of The Insurance You Get: straightforward guidance that helps you know more, do more, and worry less. When it comes to wildfire preparedness, we encourage Northwest residents to focus on three simple actions: plan, prepare and prevent. 

Wildfire Preparedness Snapshot 

• Preparedness gap: While 82% of Northwest residents are concerned about wildfire threats, 26% say they do not take any precautions before wildfire risks become imminent. 
• Evacuation readiness: Know your local evacuation levels and alerts, identify multiple evacuation routes, and create a household communication plan before wildfire threats emerge. 
• Stay informed: Track active fires, evacuation notices, and emergency updates through Oregon's Wildfire Response & Recovery Dashboard and Washington Wildfire Intel Dashboard. 

Plan ahead so you’re ready to move QUICKLY 

A little planning now can make a big difference when conditions change fast. Knowing your risk, understanding local alerts, and talking through a family plan ahead of time can help everyone respond more safely and with less stress. 

• Learn whether your home is located near wildfire-prone vegetation or open land  
• Understand local evacuation levels and alerts and identify multiple evacuation routes  
• Create a household communication plan and sign up for local emergency notifications 
• Account for pets, mobility needs, and family members who may need additional assistance  

Prepare your home and household before fire season peaks 

Preparing your property isn’t just about protecting against nearby flames. Embers can travel miles and ignite dry materials around your home. Small maintenance steps and a little advance prep can go a long way toward reducing risk. 

• Clear leaves, pine needles, and debris from roofs, gutters, decks, and foundations, along with trimming vegetation near structures  
• Seal gaps around your home and consider ember-resistant vent screening  
• Move combustible outdoor items away from homes during high-risk conditions 
• Assemble emergency go-bags before wildfire season peaks 

Prevent the sparks that can start or spread wildfire 

Many wildfires are caused by human activity, from unattended campfires to equipment use in dry conditions. Prevention starts with everyday choices, and those choices can help protect homes and the places we all love across the Northwest. 

• Practice safe campfire and outdoor burning habits  
• Avoid parking vehicles over dry grass  
• Properly dispose of smoking materials  
• Stay informed about local fire restrictions and changing conditions 

For more wildfire preparedness guidance and Pacific Northwest-specific resources, visit PEMCO’s wildfire resource page. Because when guidance is clear and practical, it’s easier to take the next right step — and that’s the kind of support you can expect from PEMCO.