OKANOGAN COUNTY, Wash. — A Level 2 “Be Ready to Evacuate” order has been issued for a wildfire burning in Okanogan County.
The fire is burning south of Buffalo Lake on the Colville Indian Reservation, in the area of McGinnis Lake and Elmer City.
A Level 2 warning means be ready to leave at a moment’s notice. The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) office says if you feel unsafe, leave now.
- Level 1 means be ready. Be alert. There is a threat in your area. Check your local news. Tell your neighbors about the threat so they know. Help others.
- Level 2 means get set to leave at a moment’s notice. Have an emergency kit. Know your plan and meeting place. If you have mobility or medical issues, consider leaving. If you have livestock or large animals, move them.
- Level 3 means go. Leave now. You are in immediate danger. Even if you don’t see the danger, follow your plans and leave. Delay could cost lives. If you stay, you may not be rescued.
In areas of wildfires, regardless of evacuation level, be aware of your surroundings and give emergency vehicles room and time to respond.
Do not wait for door-to-door notification; take action if needed, OCEM says.
“This may be your only notice, be ready to evacuate,” OCEM wrote on Facebook.
For more information, go to Okanogan County Emergency Management’s active incident web page.
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