Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Adopt 'Ready, Set, Go' Evacuation System

HAYDEN, Idaho — Wildfire evacuations will look a little different in Kootenai County this year.

In June, the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association voted unanimously to adopt the nationally recognized “Ready, Set, Go” model for evacuation messages throughout Kootenai County. The system replaced the previous Level 1, 2 and 3 system used for evacuation alerts, providing clearer and more effective communication in the event of an emergency.

This vote is also supported by the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Department of Lands, as both use the “Ready, Set, Go” model and this move further aligns efforts to improve public preparedness during natural disasters through clear communication.

According to fire chiefs, the model emphasizes three key steps:

Prepare: Prepare well in advance for emergencies by creating a defensible space around your home, assembling an emergency kit, and establishing a family communication plan. Prepare: Stay vigilant by closely monitoring fire and weather conditions. When authorities issue an evacuation warning (Prepare), residents should be prepared to evacuate on short notice. Leave: When evacuation orders are issued (Leave), leave the area immediately. These orders are issued to protect residents from imminent danger, and prompt evacuation ensures personal safety and aids in firefighting efforts.

“This shift to the ‘Ready, Set, Go’ model improves our ability to communicate clearly and consistently in critical situations,” said Chief Chris Way, president of the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs Association. “While it has traditionally been used during wildfire seasons, this model will now be applied to all disasters, including windstorms, ice storms, floods and snowfalls.”