During wildfire events, obtaining timely and accurate information is crucial for safety and preparedness. In Washington State, a network of dedicated agencies and resources works diligently to keep the public informed. This article outlines the key sources where you can find up-to-date wildfire information, ensuring you stay informed during wildfire season.
One of the quickest ways to get real-time updates on wildfires in Washington is through social media. Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its wildfire response partners actively use Twitter to disseminate information. Follow the hashtag #WaWILDFIRE to see a stream of updates from various sources. For specific information from DNR, follow @waDNR_fire on Twitter. This platform is particularly useful for immediate alerts and rapid updates on fire perimeters, containment, and any immediate threats to public safety.
For comprehensive details on larger wildfires, Inciweb (Incident Information System) and the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center (NWCC) are invaluable resources. Inciweb (http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/state/49/#) serves as a national hub for wildfire information, including incidents in Washington. Here, you can typically find detailed incident summaries, maps, and official updates. The NWCC (http://gacc.nifc.gov/nwcc/) provides regional coordination and briefings, offering another layer of official information, often including morning briefings that give an overview of the wildfire situation across the Northwest.
Public Information Officers (PIOs) play a vital role in wildfire communication. These officers are designated spokespersons for specific wildfire incidents. Their responsibility is to keep communities and media outlets informed with accurate and timely updates. PIOs work to ensure that the public receives official information directly from the incident command, helping to dispel rumors and provide clarity during rapidly evolving events.
It’s also important to be aware of local emergency management channels. Local entities like sheriff departments and fire districts are responsible for ordering and communicating evacuations and managing other emergency responses outside of fire suppression efforts. In a wildfire emergency, always prioritize and follow the directions given by public safety personnel. If evacuation orders are issued, remember the “P’s of Preparedness” to guide your actions and ensure you evacuate safely and efficiently.
To visually track active wildfires in Washington, the DNR fire dashboard is an excellent tool. This interactive dashboard (http://experience.arcgis.com/experience/6cdda73cf6154949a1fae76ccb2900a0) is updated throughout the fire season and displays current wildfire locations and information across the state. By clicking on fire icons, users can access specific details about each incident. Additionally, the National Wildfire Coordinating Group map (http://maps.nwcg.gov/sa/#/%3F/47.3438/-119.8254/7) provides a broader view of medium and large active fires, including jurisdictional information, though it’s important to remember that this map uses the best available data which can change rapidly. For the most precise and current perimeter data, always contact the agency with jurisdiction over the fire.
Staying informed during wildfire season requires utilizing a combination of these resources. From social media for rapid updates to official dashboards and incident information systems for detailed overviews, Washington State provides multiple avenues to access the wildfire information you need to stay safe and prepared. Remember to rely on official sources for the most accurate and trustworthy updates during wildfire events.
