Lane County Economic Development is urging local employers and businesses on June 2 to take steps to protect employees, facilities, and operations ahead of what is expected to be a challenging 2026 fire season. Officials cite an exceptionally mild winter and historically low mountain snowpack as factors increasing the likelihood of drier fuels and earlier fire activity. The National Interagency Fire Center projects above-normal fire potential across Western Oregon this summer.
Samantha Roberts, Lane County community and economic development analyst, said, “Our local businesses are the heart of Lane County’s economy and it’s important that they are as prepared for wildfires as people are at home. These guides can help give businesses of all sizes here in Lane County a head start on preparing.”
Recommended actions for Lane County businesses include signing up for emergency alerts at www.LaneAlerts.org, downloading free disaster preparation guides from the county website, reviewing Oregon OSHA wildfire smoke rules and air quality guidance, encouraging employees to be ready at home for two weeks, maintaining a five-foot non-combustible zone around buildings, using preparedness checklists from the Red Cross Ready Rating program and Small Business Administration, confirming insurance coverage for wildfires and business interruptions, and improving evacuation readiness through planning routes, training staff, and preparing go-kits.
Lane County provides essential public services in areas such as public safety, health programs including youth initiatives, elections administration; maintains key government facilities; extends services across western Oregon; encompasses more than 4,600 square miles of varied terrain; and features a mix of urban, suburban, rural, and coastal landscapes, according to the official website.
For additional information about wildfire preparedness resources or business continuity planning materials specific to Lane County, organizations may visit the Community & Economic Development section or Emergency Management pages online.
