By Patricia Griffiths, Red Cross Volunteer

Brown skies, stinging eyes and poor air quality are some of the memories Oregonians living near urban areas have of wildfires in 2020 and 2024. Those living near the wildfires have more dramatic memories, of devastation to forests and homes.

“The wildfires of 2024 were record-breaking,” said Kassie Keller, Public Affairs Specialist for the Oregon State Fire Marshal. “We had 17 conflagrations last year! That even surpassed 2020. More than 1.9 million acres burned.”

She cautioned, “The latest weather and climate reports show it may be another bad wildfire season in 2025.  The likelihood of it affecting all Oregonians is high.”

But, there is also good news! You can help prevent fires and impede their spread by being prepared.  Most important, there are steps you can take to ensure you and those around you are safe.

Prepare your home

Clear the area around your home of dry brush, leaves, and other flammable materials. Keep firewood away from your home.

Practice safe camping

Only use campfires in maintained campgrounds at established fire pits. Always contact the forest district, agency or landowner first to learn if there are any current campfire restrictions.

Get ready

Make a plan for where you will go and how to get there, in the event you need to evacuate your home.

Have a go-bag ready with critical supplies like food, water and medicine. Remember to add a go-bag for your pet as well.

Have supplies ready to stay at home, in case you need to shelter in place. Your home should be supplied with at least  two weeks of food and water and one-month supply of medications, if possible.

Learn more HERE.

Stay Informed

Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government, which will include important information such as evacuation orders in an emergency.

Download the Red Cross emergency app, which will alert you to changing conditions where you are, even as you travel.

Rest Assured that Help is Near

When disasters happen, the Red Cross is there providing food, shelter and comfort to ensure no one faces such a difficult time alone. In fact, during the 2024 wildfire season, the Red Cross opened 23 shelters in Oregon, providing safe haven and resources to people temporarily displaced.

The month of May is Wildfire Preparedness Month. This is the perfect time to be sure you and those near to you are safe and ready.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nations’ blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org or follow us on social media.