Wildfire Guide and Resources Kit

UPDATED EVACUATION SHELTERS IN WA-08 (Updated 08/11/2026):

A Red Cross shelter has been established at Entiat Warehouse Community Church, 14916 US-97A, Entiat, WA. For info call 509-784-2710.

There is additionally a Red Cross Emergency shelter (currently unstaffed, in standby mode, available upon request by phone) at Chelan Elementary School, 324 East Johnson Avenue, Chelan, Wash. (253-797-8788).

Wildfire season in the Pacific Northwest typically runs from April through November, peaking in August and September when the weather is hottest and driest. As our climate continues to change, wildfires have become an increasingly large part of the summer and fall, making it important that we all do our part to prevent and prepare. I will continue to work in Congress to lower the risk posed by catastrophic wildfires, protect forest and community health, and support the first responders and volunteers at the front lines of these fires who are working day and night to keep everyone safe. If you have any questions about the resources below, do not hesitate to call my office.

TO REPORT A FOREST FIRE OR RELATED AIR QUALITY ISSUES, PLEASE CALL 1-800-562-6010

FOR EMERGENCIES, CALL 911 OR TEXT SHELTER to 4FEMA (43362)

Current Wildfire Maps and Updates:
Current WA Wildfire Map: Wildfire Intel Dashboard OR PNW Wildland Fire Intel

For real-time fire updates, follow @waDNR_fire or the #WaWILDFIRE hashtag on X (Twitter) and download the "Watch Duty" application on your phone.

State Resources

Federal Resources

To find a Disaster Recovery Center near you, use the DRC Locator or text DRC and your ZIP code to 43362.

Been Evacuated? Call the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767 to find an available shelter.

Prevention and Preparedness

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources has many resources for wildfire prevention – below are a few we find helpful.

Creating an Evacuation Plan

If you think your area could be susceptible to wildfires, make a plan ahead of time:

Learn your local community’s evacuation plan.
Ask friends or family members outside of your area if you can stay with them.
If you have a disability, make a plan with family members and care providers.
Check with your county emergency management office to find out what shelters are open in case you need to evacuate your home. Follow guidance from local public health and emergency management officials on when and where to shelter.
If you have pets, find out which shelters allow animals and up to what size. If you plan to take your pet with you, bring any necessary medications.
Find out which sites are sheltering larger barnyard animals if applicable.
Pack a “go bag” (see list below).
Place all important documentation in a fireproof safe.
Withdraw cash in case the power goes out.

Pre-Evacuation Steps

If you are able to take a couple of steps to prepare before evacuating, here are some items to take into consideration:

Close all windows and doors. Remove all flammable window shades and curtains. Close metal shutters.
Move flammable furniture to the middle of the room, away from doors and windows.
Shut off gas at the meter. Turn off pilot lights and air conditioning systems.
Gather flammable items from outside of the house (patio furniture) and bring them inside.
Close patio umbrellas and retract awnings.
Turn off all propane tanks and move appliances away from structures. Do not leave sprinklers or water running.
Back your car into the driveway and ensure all its windows and doors are closed. Ensure your emergency kit is in the vehicle.
Have a full tank of gas.
Tell a friend, neighbor, or out-of-area contact where you plan to go.

What to Bring

It is suggested to pack a 3-day supply of items that are ready to go in case of an evacuation (a “go bag”). Have these items ready to go, either in your car or by the door:

Medications
Personal hygiene items
On-the-go disinfectant supplies
Baby supplies, if applicable
Pet supplies and medications, if applicable
Cell phones with chargers and portable power bank if available
N95 or KN95 masks (cloth and surgical masks do not protect from wildfire smoke)
Family and emergency contact information
Important personal documents (social security card, car registration, passport, birth certificate)

Washington Department of Natural Resources Links

Recreation Map – Check for specific information on campgrounds or recreation sites that are closed due to wildfires
Burn Restrictions – Check seasonal burn restrictions and rules before lighting any fire

Recovery and Aid Information

The Disaster Cash Assistance Program is a temporary program that was activated by the governor’s declaration of a state of emergency in Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, Spokane, Stevens and Yakima counties as well as the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and Spokane Tribe of Indians. You might be eligible if you have been affected by wildfires and live in the impacted areas.

You can apply in person at a a DSHS mobile office event or your local Community Services Office, by phone at 877-501-2233 or online at http://WashingtonConnection.org. An interview is required. You can learn more on the DSHS website: http://dshs.wa.gov

As Washington homeowners and communities recover from recent wildfires, the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) is providing resources for those who have insurance questions following wildfire losses.

Filing a claim

Once local fire officials have determined it’s safe to return home, evaluate your home’s damage and, if appropriate, contact your insurance company and file a claim.
Your insurance professional can help you review your policy to find out what’s covered and in what amount, including debris removal or additional living expenses. Loss due to wildfire is covered the same as any fire damage.
The company will send an adjuster out to assess the damage and work with your policy to determine what you’ll be paid for your loss. Your insurance company must meet certain timelines in processing your claim.
Keep receipts for every expense related to your claim and track every call and conversation with your insurance company and adjuster.

Reviewing your coverage

Check your coverage regularly to make sure it includes adequate replacement coverage. One of the biggest issues people have is suffering a loss and then learning their coverage maximum isn’t enough to replace what they’ve lost.
Talk to your agent or broker and ask about additional living expenses coverage. It pays for living expenses over and above your normal living expenses if your house is uninhabitable and you need another place to stay while it’s being repaired or rebuilt.
You’ll need special coverage to protect specific valuables, such as jewelry, fine art, and other items that may have limited coverage under your homeowner policy.
Prepare a household inventory. Filing a claim is faster and easier with a detailed inventory of your belongings. The NAIC’s Home Inventory App makes it easier. You can also just walk from room to room and video everything in your house to make maintaining an inventory easier.
Keep your insurance policy, home inventory, receipts, appraisals, and photos and videotape records in a secure secondary location.
Washington's Consumer Protection program can help answer questions and explain how coverage works. You can also file a complaint if you feel your claim isn’t being handled properly or contact our Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900. Learn more about wildfires and insurance or live chat with an insurance expert.

Issues:DistrictEnvironment