Section 2. Purpose, Audience and Context

a. Purpose

This document is a primary directive for Incident Commanders (ICs), Emergency Management personnel, and Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office and other Law Enforcement supervisors responsible for executing evacuation orders. It serves as a tactical reference for Public Information Officers (PIOs) to ensure messaging consistency via the Emergency Notification System (ENS) and for Public Works and the Department of Transportation tasked with maintaining route integrity and gate closures.

Additionally, this plan provides necessary operational clarity for Mutual Aid partners and NGO support groups (e.g., Red Cross, livestock rescue) to ensure their deployment aligns with the County’s established incident objectives and safety zones.

b. Audience

The purpose of this plan is to establish a standardized operational framework for the mobilization, direction, and relocation of populations during high-threat incidents within Klickitat County. It defines the specific triggers for escalating evacuation levels and outlines the tactical coordination required between the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), on-scene Incident Command, and multi-jurisdictional support agencies.

By synchronizing traffic control, resource staging, and inter-agency communication, this plan ensures that evacuation routes remain viable and that life-safety priorities are executed with minimal friction under compressed timelines.

c. Context

Unlike routine disruptions, Klickitat County’s unique geography creates high-risk conditions that can rapidly compromise evacuation efforts. Our narrow canyon roads, imited bridge crossings over the Columbia, and the potential for reduced visibility from smoke or blowing dust can turn a standard exit into a life-threatening bottleneck.

Whether it is a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) fire, a post-fire debris flow, or a hazardous materials incident along our transportation corridors, threats can escalate in minutes. Because many homes and access routes are vulnerable to these diverse hazards, relying on "wait and see" is not a viable strategy. Early, informed action is the only way to ensure people's safety before routes are cut off.

Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Fires and Evacuations

Unlike other disasters, WUI fires create fast-moving, high-risk conditions that directly threaten evacuation efforts. Narrow roads, limited exits, and reduced visibility from smoke can quickly turn a "standard evacuation" into a life-threatening scenario. Even fires igniting outside of the community can impact your response, and most homes simply aren't built to withstand wildfire exposure, making early informed action critical.

WUI evacuations are extremely complex events; outcomes depend on community planning, fire ignition and spread, local weather, first responder activities, and evacuee decisions.

Initial Process

1. Identification: Fire personnel or technical experts identify a specific threat to life and property.
2. Recommendation: The Operations Section Chief or Incident Commander recommends a specific evacuation level to the Sheriff’s Office.
3. Implementation: The Sheriff makes the final decision to issue the order. Sheriff’s deputies, often supported by Search and Rescue (SAR) or "posse" volunteers, perform door-to-door notifications.
4. Notification: KCDEM triggers the Level 1 (Ready), Level 2 (Set), or Level 3 (Go) alerts through landlines and registered mobile devices.

Notice vs. No-Notice Evacuations

Notice Evacuations

• Definition: Evacuations where residents receive advance warning (hours to days).
• Examples:
• A large wildfire burning many miles away with a predictable path.
• Wildfire smoke forecasts indicate hazardous air quality approaching.
• Characteristics:
• Authorities have time to issue phased evacuation orders.
• Residents can prepare “go kits,” arrange transportation, and evacuate in an orderly way.
• Evacuation routes and shelters can be staffed and communicated in advance.

No-Notice Evacuations

• Definition: Evacuations triggered by sudden, immediate threats with little or no warning.
• Examples:
• A wind-driven wildfire spreading rapidly toward populated areas.
• Spot fires igniting near homes due to embers.
• A large spill or release as the result of a rail or truck incident.
• Characteristics:
• Authorities may only have minutes to issue an evacuation order.
• Residents must evacuate immediately, sometimes with little or no time to collect belongings.
• Evacuation messaging relies on pre-scripted alerts, local sirens, door-to-door warnings, and pre-established community awareness of “Ready, Set, Go” levels.
• Higher risk of congestion, confusion, and non-compliance due to urgency.

Evacuation Types or Phases

1. Ready (Advisory / Level 1)
• Definition: Residents should prepare for potential evacuation. There is a credible threat, but immediate evacuation is not required.
• Actions:
• Monitor official information sources (local radio, social media, emergency alert systems).
• Prepare “go kits” with critical items (documents, medications, food, water).
• Identify and confirm evacuation routes and transportation needs.
• Prepare homes: move flammable materials away from structures, close windows/vents.
2. Set (Warning / Level 2)
• Definition: Conditions exist that indicate a significant threat. Residents must be prepared to leave at short notice.
• Actions:
• Load essential belongings into vehicles.
• Practice loading family and pets into vehicles.
• Maintain situational awareness and be prepared to leave immediately if evacuation is ordered.
• Assist neighbors who may need support (elderly, disabled, or without transport).
3. Go (Order / Level 3)
• Definition: The hazard poses an immediate threat to life and safety. Evacuation is essential.
• Actions:
• Leave immediately along designated evacuation routes.
• Do not delay gathering additional belongings.
• Follow instructions from law enforcement, fire officials, and incident management.
• Do not return until officials declare it safe.