Wildfires can have a serious impact on Washington’s agricultural communities. While Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) doesn’t have a dedicated fire relief fund, there are a number of resources available to assist farmers and ranchers before, during, and after a wildfire.
You’re not alone—we’re here to help you prepare, respond safely, and recover.
Find helpful resources below
Wildfire preparedness looks a little different depending on your role. To make things easier, we’ve grouped resources for agricultural producers and for the partners who support them. Whether you’re preparing your own operation or sharing information in your community, use the sections below to find the tools and guidance that fit your needs.
Wildfire preparedness checklist
A quick, actionable list to help you get ready — including evacuation planning, livestock readiness, and property preparation.
For Partners (Organizations supporting producers)
Resources to help you share information and support your communities.
Quick shareable information:
- Newsletter content (May/June)
- Blogs for farmers & ranchers
- Key messages and suggested language
- Wildfire poster
Social media posts and campaign graphics:
Response
Alert and Warning Notifications
Stay informed by opting to receive emergency alerts on your phone and follow any emergency instructions given. These alerts provide early warnings when conditions are dangerous or expected to become hazardous due to high temperatures, dry weather or strong winds. Subscribe to local emergency notifications at mil.wa.gov/alerts#local
Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time. Locations of active wildfires, evacuation zones, evacuation shelters, animal shelters, information centers, and food distribution points for evacuees can be viewed on this app: https://app.watchduty.org/
Evacuation and Sheltering
During a wildfire, if asked to evacuate, listen to local officials for information about the nearest temporary evacuation point. Follow your local emergency officials on social media or monitor local news for updates.
Evacuated large animals and livestock may be sheltered at local fairgrounds and feed may be available. Contact animal groups, livestock associations and county emergency management offices for guidance on where large animals may be sheltered temporarily.
The American Red Cross provides temporary shelters offering safe spaces, meals, and essential services like first aid and emotional support. They work with local emergency officials and community partners to identify and utilize suitable shelter locations. Red cross shelters can accept service animals. Household pets may be accommodated, or they may be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
Assess for Damages
Conditions may still hazardous even after the fire has been extinguished, so proceed with caution.
Document a description and location of all damages caused by the wildfire.
Caring for Livestock
Caring for Yourself and Others
Recovering from a disaster can be a stressful time. Call on of the numbers below for crisis support and self-care resources for you and the people you care about:
Organic Certification and Fire Retardant
If fire retardant is dropped on an organic farm, USDA organic rules consider it a prohibited substance. Producers must report contamination to the WSDA Organic Program. For assistance, contact the WSDA Organic Program directly.
Additional Resources
For direct questions email us at: emergencymanagement@agr.wa.gov
Stay informed by opting to receive emergency alerts on your phone and follow any emergency instructions given. These alerts provide early warnings when conditions are dangerous or expected to become hazardous due to high temperatures, dry weather or strong winds. Subscribe to local emergency notifications at mil.wa.gov/alerts#local
Watch Duty, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, alerts you of nearby wildfires and firefighting efforts in real-time. Locations of active wildfires, evacuation zones, evacuation shelters, animal shelters, information centers, and food distribution points for evacuees can be viewed on this app: https://app.watchduty.org/
Evacuation and Sheltering
During a wildfire, if asked to evacuate, listen to local officials for information about the nearest temporary evacuation point. Follow your local emergency officials on social media or monitor local news for updates.
Evacuated large animals and livestock may be sheltered at local fairgrounds and feed may be available. Contact animal groups, livestock associations and county emergency management offices for guidance on where large animals may be sheltered temporarily.
The American Red Cross provides temporary shelters offering safe spaces, meals, and essential services like first aid and emotional support. They work with local emergency officials and community partners to identify and utilize suitable shelter locations. Red cross shelters can accept service animals. Household pets may be accommodated, or they may be housed in a different location with support from animal welfare groups.
- You can find shelters by visiting a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC).
- Text "SHELTER" and your zip code to 43362 to search for open shelters.
- Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for information.
Recovery
WSDA works with local, state, federal, and industry partners to support the safety and recovery of citizens, evacuees, and all livestock and companion animals. During and immediately after an incident, there are steps you can take to start the recovery process.Assess for Damages
Conditions may still hazardous even after the fire has been extinguished, so proceed with caution.
- Don’t enter any damaged buildings until authorities give you the go-ahead.
- Wear protective gear — such as a hard hat, respirator, steel-toed boots and gloves — when entering contaminated areas or damaged buildings.
- Turn off the electrical power and other utilities until a safety inspection is performed.
Document a description and location of all damages caused by the wildfire.
- Take pictures of all damage.
- Make an inventory of all damaged structures, supplies, equipment, and machinery.
- Save receipts for expenses relating to fire loss.
Caring for Livestock
- Examine all animals exposed to wildfire smoke, heat or burns. You may need to spray them down with cool water to help them recover.
- Keep livestock away from any food or water that may have been contaminated.
Caring for Yourself and Others
Recovering from a disaster can be a stressful time. Call on of the numbers below for crisis support and self-care resources for you and the people you care about:
- Farm Aid Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (1-800-327-6243)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Organic Certification and Fire Retardant
If fire retardant is dropped on an organic farm, USDA organic rules consider it a prohibited substance. Producers must report contamination to the WSDA Organic Program. For assistance, contact the WSDA Organic Program directly.
- Wildfires, Smoke and Livestock – University of California, Davis
- Agriculture and Natural Resources – Washington State University
- Caring for Livestock After a Wildfire (PDF)
For direct questions email us at: emergencymanagement@agr.wa.gov