Wildfire Preparedness

What You Need to Know to get Ready, Set, GO!

We’ve all become more aware of the dangers of wildfires. There is a lot you can do to reduce your risk of property damage and to get ready long before an evacuation might occur.

Protecting Your Property

The Nehalem Bay Fire and Rescue (NBFR) recommends all homeowners take the steps necessary to make your home safer during a wildfire. Download the Firewise USA flyer to get started!

Is It Safe To Have A Recreational Fire?

The NBFR is the best resource to learn about local burn restrictions, what qualifies as a “Recreational Fire”, when you need a burn permit, and our current fire danger status.

How Do I Prepare?

A wildfire can start at any moment, and they can move fast and unpredictably. Preparing for an evacuation should begin before there is any danger.

If your household is under voluntary or potential evacuations, begin to prepare your home and get ready to leave. If mandatory evacuations are ordered, it's important to leave promptly. Follow the County Sheriff’s directions for evacuation and go as early as possible so responders can travel without clogged roads. Fire Chief Beswick suggests that the beach is your last option for evacuation. Plan ahead to identify places to go safely.

The EVCNB may use KQMI’s Manzanita frequency, 88.9 FM, to broadcast emergency messages locally.

Have A Plan

As with any emergency, preparations for a wildfire evacuation should start before there is any danger. Create a family emergency plan. Make sure to include pets as a part of the plan. Establish a meeting area outside your home if your house is in immediate danger. Stay tuned to phone alerts, TV or radio for the latest emergency instructions or evacuation orders.

Did you know? You can sign up and receive evacuation notices and details at each phase: “Ready”, “Set”, and “GO!” via Tillamook County Nixle Updates.

Prepare Your Home

If there is time to prepare your home prior to a potential evacuation, use this Wildfire Preparedness checklist for what you can do inside and outside your home. If your family or your home are in imminent danger, evacuate immediately.

Important steps for inside your home include shutting your windows while keeping them unlocked, moving any flammable materials or furniture away from windows to the center of a room and leaving your lights on so firefighters can see through the smoke.

Important steps for outside your home include gathering flammable items and placing them inside your home, turning off and moving propane tanks away from structures and checking on your neighbors to make sure they are preparing to leave. Have pre-cut plywood or commercial seals to cover attic and ground vents. Keep your roof and gutters free of debris. Many homes are lost not by direct fire encroachment, but by flying embers landing on debris.

Assemble An Emergency Supply Kit

Having supplies for each member of your household is an important step for evacuation preparation. Each person and pet needs a GoBag that has a three-day supply of non-perishable food and three gallons of water. Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses, a seven-day supply of medications and copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and passports, are also important to pack.

What’s Your Wildfire Risk?

The Oregon Wildfire Risk Explorer is designed to increase wildfire awareness, give a comprehensive view of wildfire risk and local fire history, and educate users about wildfire prevention and mitigation resources.

Document Your Possessions

Finally, document your possessions both inside and outside the home with a cellphone camera. If you haven't done this in advance, and you have at least a half an hour, do it before you leave.

Document the things you wouldn't be able to replace like antiques, family heirlooms, and art. Remember to videotape the exterior of your house as well.