ROAD CONDITIONS + KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Oregon Department of Transportation’s TripCheck is a great resource for the latest road conditions via road cameras, continuous winter travel updates, year-round highway construction details, and other valuable tips to get you to and from your favorite places in Oregon.

Before you go

Before you leave, check TripCheck.com for current road conditions, closures and delays. TripCheck provides information from ODOT’s dispatch centers 24 hours a day and updates in real time as fire situations evolve.

Travelers should:

• Plan routes that avoid active wildfire areas whenever possible.
• Consider delaying travel if wildfire smoke is reducing visibility or creating unhealthy air quality.
• Follow official detours. GPS may direct you onto local or forest roads that are also closed or unsuitable for traffic.
• Start with a full tank of fuel or electric charge, especially when traveling through rural areas where services may be limited.
• Carry water, snacks, medications and an emergency kit in case of unexpected delays.

Driving near wildfires

Smoke can reduce visibility as quickly as dense fog. If you encounter smoke:

• Slow down and increase following distance.
• Turn on your headlights using low beams. High beams can reflect off smoke and make visibility worse.
• Keep your windows closed and set your vehicle’s ventilation system to recirculate.
• Stay alert for changing traffic patterns, emergency responders and stopped vehicles.
• If visibility becomes unsafe, pull completely off the roadway only when you can do so safely.

Many fire camps and staging areas are located near highways. Fire crews and heavy equipment may be entering and exiting the highway frequently.

When traveling near wildfire activity:

• Slow down and follow posted speed limits.
• Watch for firefighters and emergency personnel working on or near the road. Move over when you can, slow down when you can’t and give them plenty of space to work safely.
• Give fire equipment extra space to merge, turn and access the highway safely.
• Obey all traffic control devices, flaggers and road closures.

Help prevent roadside fires

Drivers can also help reduce the risk of starting new wildfires by:

• Parking only on pavement, gravel or developed pullouts where hot exhaust systems and catalytic converters won’t ignite dry grass.
• Properly disposing of cigarettes or other flammable materials.
• Securing trailer chains so they don’t drag and create sparks.

More resources

• For current wildfire information, visit the Northwest Coordination Center or osfminfo.org
• Visit wildfire.oregon.gov for wildfire preparedness information and resources before, during and after a wildfire.
• Sign up for local emergency alerts at ORAlert.gov.
• Learn how to prevent human-caused wildfires and help protect Oregon’s landscapes at KeepOregonGreen.org.

WILDFIRE AWARENESS

With wildfires continuing to impact communities across Eastern Oregon, and the state, please consult official resources prior to traveling to ensure access to your destination is safe and accessible.

The Oregon State Fire Marshal is a great resource for fire weather information and evacuation notices.  You can also sign up for their emergency alerts.

Our partners at Travel Oregon have an expanded Travel Alerts page at TravelOregon.com.

For Q&A on wildfire in Oregon—as well as links to state agencies tracking fires, air quality and closures, please visit What to Know About Oregon’s Wildfire-Impacted Areas

AIR QUALITY MAP

Stay informed about the latest air quality conditions in your travel destination with an up-to-date air quality map with Oregon Smoke Information