Port Ludlow Wildfire Guide

PLVC Emergency Management Committee

8/10/23: At last week’s PLVC meeting, Chief Bret Black shared information about the recent brush/wildfire on Beaver Valley Road north of Port Ludlow.

Thanks to a collaborative effort and equipment from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Jefferson County Sheriff Deputies and fire departments from Kitsap, Clallam, U.S Navy, and Quilcene, East Jefferson Fire Rescue was able to bring the fast-moving fire under control in a matter of hours with no loss of property or life.

Be Aware:

• Have the Nixle alert system on every cellphone in your household. To set up, send the following text “JEFFCODEM” to 888777 and follow instructions to have it on your phone. Alternatively, go to Jefferson County Department of Emergency Management website, https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/1066/alerts-warnings, scroll down to the box to “sign up for alerts” and enter your mobile number information, then follow instructions.
• You may also receive a WEA notifications (“Amber Alert”) on your phone. It starts with a loud tone and then a message. You do not have to sign up for these FEMA Wireless Emergency Alerts as they are automatically on all cellphones through the carrier and are sent based on cell tower location.
• The (Nixle alert and WEA notification) are the ONLY ways to be notified. Neither the Bay/Beach Clubs nor the Port Ludlow Block Captain program are automatically notified of wildfires due to the need for first responders to be addressing the fire and radio operators are not located at these facilities 24-7.
• Have an “Evacuation List” on the wall going out to your vehicle. Always keep your gas tank at least half full to be able to evacuate quickly. The blue Think, Plan, Do booklet, Click Here, pages 14-15, has excellent “Grab and Go” lists of what needs to be taken. Your personal “Bug Out List” should probably include your desktop computer if it stores historical records, family pictures or other unreplaceable items. Do not forget cash, prescriptions and their scripts, and pet supplies.
• Use PUD Website. After you have received a Nixle wildfire alert message, status reports on power outages and major road closures can be obtained by logging on to the PUD website, https://www.jeffpud.org/. Scroll down to orange highlighted box. The status of outage will be shown there. Also, in the upper right corner of the webpage, click on triangle with exclamation point in it. You will then see a map indicating where there are power outages throughout the PUD service area. Previous use of Twitter has been discontinued.
• KPTZ, FM 91.9, from Port Townsend may also give updated information, but it is likely to be centered on the area up near that town. Reception can be limited in the Port Ludlow houses, but in a car, it may be a source of broader area information.
• If the Nixle text message indicates a Level 1 or 2 Alert, Aware and Prepare, and the wildfire appears to be heading in your direction, DO NOT WAIT, but collect your Grab & Go materials and evacuate NOW. Go AWAY from the fire for at least an hour.
• If the Nixle text message indicates a Level 3 Alert, Evacuation, or a sheriff in your neighborhood is directing you to leave, do it quickly and get directions on routes to go from the sheriff. You should know at least two escape routes and prepare your Grab & Go items to be able to leave your house in ten (10) minutes.
• Use text messages instead of voice cellphone calls During a wildfire emergency event. Cellphone services will be overloaded, but texts may get through.