Just in case … BE AWARE OF FIRE ALERTS, AND TAKE PRECAUTIONS

BY SANDRA STRIEBY

Summer is fire season in the Methow Valley. In the past decade, wildfires have disrupted summer plans roughly one year in two. The realities are sobering, but not a cause for panic. The key to a safe, enjoyable visit is to make like a scout and be prepared. Here’s how.

■ A LERTS AND EVACUATION LEVELS

The Okanogan County Alert System sends information about fires and other hazards by phone, text and email. To sign up, visit www. okanogancounty.org/government/ emergency_management/okanogan_county_alerts/index.php. If you enter an Okanogan County street address, you’ll receive alerts that affect that address. You can also receive alerts for all of Okanogan County by texting OKCOUNTY TO 888777.

Okanogan County uses a system of three evacuation levels to keep residents and visitors informed about fire hazards. Alerts include information about the current evacuation level for the location you used in your alert registration.

• Level 1: Advisory. Current or projected threats from hazards associated with approaching fire(s) are present.

• Level 2: Be ready. Conditions indicate a good possibility that hazards associated with the approaching fire(s) will severely limit Okanogan County’s ability to provide emergency service protection. You must be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. This may be the only notice you receive. Be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate actions.

• Level 3: Evacuate immediately. Current conditions present specific and immediate threat(s) to the life and safety of persons within the area. Conditions indicate that the hazards associated with the incident will severely limit Okanogan County’s ability to provide emergency service protection.

At Level 1, it’s a good idea to prepare to evacuate. Be sure your gas tank is full; pack one or more go-bags or totes and be ready to move out with the “6 Ps:”

• People and pets. Be sure to include car seats, diapers, and any other special needs, and animals’ leashes, crates, and carriers. Don’t risk losing a panicked or disoriented pet in a crisis situation.

• Plastic and paper money — ATMs and payment terminals may not be working; have some cash on hand to meet any immediate needs.

• Papers. Have your driver license, passport, and any other critical documents ready to go.

• Prescriptions, including eyeglasses.

• Phone and computer, with their cords, chargers, and other accessories.

• Photos and other personal items too valuable to lose.

At Level 2, load your vehicle and review your exit strategy. It’s easy to become disoriented in an unfamiliar area. Experienced residents and emergency service personnel may not be available to provide direction. Be prepared to navigate on your own. If you have small children or are traveling with anyone who moves slowly, you may want to evacuate at Level 2.

At Level 3, leave, even if you don’t think conditions warrant it. You may endanger yourself and others, and hinder firefighters, if you ignore evacuation orders.

■ B ASIC FIRE PRECAUTIONS

• With the exception of some authorized public displays, summer f ireworks are illegal on public and private land in the Methow Valley.

• Be aware of burn bans (find information at https://okanogancounty.

org/government/emergency_management/new_page/index.php), and use good fire safety practices.

• Be sure campfires are dead out — cool to the touch — before leaving them unattended.

• Put out matches and smoking materials on rocks or bare ground, never where there is any combustible material.

• Park away from dry grass that could be ignited by a hot vehicle.

• In addition to being a health hazard, smoke can impair visibility.

• Embers can travel long distances and start new fires.

• Drones are not permitted near wildfires — they can endanger aircraft and firefighters.

• Obey area closures for more information.

• Be aware, think ahead about situations that may arise, and take responsibility for yourself.

• If you’re staying in a cabin or other isolated lodging, know your way around the neighborhood, and be able to find exit routes even when visibility is low.

• Be ready to deal with smoky conditions. Have N95 masks on hand, and a plan for children and any other vulnerable members of your party. You can find more tips at https://www.cleanairmethow. org/smoke-ready-checklist.

• Have a plan for staying in touch and meeting up with other members of your party if you are separated.

• Realize that cell phones may not work.

■ IF YOU’RE HIKING, PACKING, OR CAMPING

• When planning your trip, check fire potential for the week ahead at https://gacc.nifc.gov/ nwcc/content/products/fwx/ guidance/DL.pdf.

• Know current fire danger; find information at https://fortress. wa.gov/dnr/protection/firedanger/.

• Let someone know where you’ll be and when you expect to return. Leave information about your planned route and any camp sites.

• Carry paper maps. A full-sized map that lets you see the area surrounding your camp site or trail can help you understand the terrain and find escape routes if the road or trail you came in on is blocked.

• Know and understand current fire restrictions in the area where you’ll be; find information at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/ alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Know the terrain and your options for leaving the area. Be prepared to navigate after dark and in thick smoke.

• Have a plan for leaving the area and meeting up if members of your party are separated.

• Carry the 10 essentials, including a light source, even on long sunny summer days when you expect to be home before dark.

• Rangers may seek hikers in case of emergency if it’s safe and personnel are available, but don’t count on it.

• Aircraft pilots may be able to see you and send help, but that’s not a given, either.

• Wear and carry bright-colored clothes and gear. High-visibility colors like blaze orange or fluorescent green may help you be seen from the air. Spreading out a bright or reflective ground cloth (like a Mylar space blanket) may also help pilots spot you. Firefighters wear bright yellow for visibility in dark or smoky conditions.

Fire closures

Some roads, trails, and campgrounds have been closed due to previous years’ fires. The closures are intended to protect people, prevent further damage to the land, and minimize danger of sedimentation and washouts. In some cases, bridges, culverts, and other facilities have been damaged.

Many U.S. Forest Service closure orders are scheduled to expire on June 1 this year. The Forest Service will re-evaluate and may issue new orders or re-open the areas.

As of early April, the Buck Lake and Nice campgrounds in the Chewuch drainage are closed, as are some trails in the Chickadee area and many roads affected by the 2021 Cedar Creek and Cub Creek 2 fires. A number of trails damaged by the Tripod, Diamond Creek and Crescent fires remain impassable to bicycles and stock, and may be difficult or dangerous for hikers. For the latest information, visit www.fs.usda. gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5308307.