This Wildfire Awareness page provides resources to encourage residents to be aware of the inherent danger of living in an otherwise beautiful PNW forest which, while very wet during the winter, can quickly become tinder-dry during summer and fall.

The information about the LWC Incident Command System (ICS) and the series of Table Top Exercises (TTX) we have been conducting provides context for what our community as a whole is doing to prepare for and manage possible emergency situations, including wildfires.

The widespread 2020 wildfires throughout Oregon, and specifically the devastating Echo Mountain Complex Fire just a few miles northeast of Lincoln City cited below, reinforce the fact that we are vulnerable to fast moving wildfires.

Pending:

CRS – buy and know how to use a two-way radio,

Safety Captain & Safety Area links

LWC Incident Command System (ICS)

& Table Top Exercises (TTX)

Little Whale Cove has adopted a modified FEMA Incident Command System (ICS) to manage emergency events in our community. The LWC ICS will conduct the fourth in a series of Table Top Exercises Wednesday, July 23rd, 2-4 PM in the Rec Center. Led by resident and career Fire Captain David Dumas, we will discuss strategies involved in various local wildfire scenarios, and develop protocols to help us prepare for and manage situations that may occur during the wildfire season.


Labor Day 2020, Echo Mountain Complex Fire

Reflecting on the Echo Mountain Complex Fire

Oregon Wildfire Spotlight 2020

The Labor Day 2020, Echo Mountain Complex Fire devastated the community of Otis just a few miles northeast of Lincoln City. It burned more than 2,500 acres, causing evacuations, power outages, road closures, and the destruction of 288 homes and 339 structures. The wildfire was driven by 50 mph dry winds coming from the east off the Cascades rather than the moisture-laden west winds from the ocean that this area usually experiences.

Coupled with record high temperatures, low humidity and high fuel volume following a dry summer, the east winds caused wildfires to burn throughout much of Oregon. A total of 5,000 homes and businesses and 1.2 million acres were burned in wildfires in September.


Local Wildfire Awareness Resources

Lincoln County Emergency Management

Wildfire Preparedness video outlines Oregon’s evacuation protocol:

Level 1 – Be Ready; Level 2 – Be Set; Level 3 – Go NOW!

It recommends that families be prepared to take the following items with them if they need to evacuate: emergency contact info and important documents, personal ID, flashlights, food and water, and the supplies for their pets.

It also recommends the following:

Also from Lincoln County Emergency Management:

Wildfire Awareness – A series of (7) videos

  • Finance and Business Preparedness
  • Animals – Pets and Livestock
  • Property Protection by Understanding Wildfire Risk
  • Emergency Notifications and Evacuations
  • Sheltering with the American Red Cross and Medically Fragile People
  • Air Quality Considerations
  • Local Fire District Restrictions and Precautions (North Lincoln Fire)


Other Resources: Some are duplicates, but worth repeating. Please let us know if you have

additional sites to recommend.

Inciweb – Real time wildfire updates

AirNow – Check air quality of where you live or area you plan to travel

TripCheck – Check traffic conditions, road closures and weather

Frontline Wildfire Defense – interactive Oregon wildfire map and wildfire tracker

Oregon Wildfire Information – hosted by Oregon’s Travel Industry


Regional Wildfire Updates:


Wildfire Updates in Neighboring States


Apps (some are free) for various devices and operating systems

Watch Duty: Wildfire Maps and Alerts – free app for iPhone and iPad