Know Your Zone
Watch this important evacuation video from Butte County Fire Chief Garrett Sjolund and Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea
Why is it important
to know my zone?
In the event of a wildfire emergency, the Sheriff’s Department is the primary agency to order evacuations (it’s not the Fire Department! They’re responsible for saving people and property). A zone system for evacuations has been put into place for Butte County to make such evacuations happen successfully and safely.
What are evacuation zones?
Evacuation Zones are different areas of the county that have been established to facilitate orderly evacuations in the case of fire and other emergencies. In the event of a wildfire emergency, the Sheriff’s Department is the primary agency to order evacuations. If there is an emergency in a certain area of the county, the Sheriff’s office can alert that particular zone.
You may see evacuation orders or warnings on social media or online that look like this:
Evacuation Warnings
During an evacuation warning you’ll be told your Zone might need to evacuate and be on high alert. Get everyone in your family together, have your Go Bags packed, ensure your animals are close by, your pet carriers and livestock trailers are ready, and you’re ready to leave on a moment’s notice.
Evacuation Orders
When an evacuation order is issued for your Zone, leave your home immediately and get to safety. At this point, there’s no more time to get ready. It’s time to be ready and put your wildfire action plan into action.
How do I find my zone?
You can find your zone by entering your zip code here:
You can also call 2-1-1 or text 898211 for assistance in finding your zone.
How do I read an Evacuation Zone code?
Evacuation zones are identified by a 3-part code, such as “BUT-TOP-04,” which stands for “Butte, Town of Paradise, Zone 4.” But all you need to remember for any zone you’re concerned about is the number portion of the code—numbers aren’t repeated in any of the codes throughout the county.
Look at the last three digits of your Evacuation Zone ID to find your zone number.
Example
BUT-MA-289 (BCSO substation in Magalia)
BUT = Butte
MA = Magalia
289 = Evacuation Zone
Planning early for evacuation
Remember: you have to GET ready to BE ready for a Butte County Evacuation.
Learn more about how to prepare your home and family for evacuation.
Know ALL your relevant zones
The zone your home is in should be your first priority, but it’s also important to know the zones for your work, your spouse’s work, your kids’ schools, your family members’ houses in the county, and any other person or place whose welfare is of concern to you.
What's Next
With your refresher on evacuation zones now complete, please send this webpage and the evacuation map to friends, family, and neighbors. Awareness goes a long way toward ensuring safe and efficient movement in and out of risk areas should an evacuation be necessary.
Sign Up for Butte County Emergency Alerts
Butte County Emergency Alerts will notify you to wildfire threats and any other emergency situations declared in Butte County, including evacuation warnings and alerts. Alerts come through as text messages, so you’ll get them right away.
Planning early for evacuation
Remember: you have to GET ready to BE ready for a Butte County Evacuation. Learn more about how to prepare your home and family for evacuation. Get more evacuation and preparation tips here.
Our Latest Podcast Episode
Butte County has been no stranger to wildfires, and because of that, the Butte County Sheriff’s Office has established a great working relationship with our firefighting partners at CAL FIRE. In episode three of Sheriff’s Mic: Cleared to Talk with Sheriff Honea, he sits down with CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department Chief Garrett Sjolund to discuss the severity of the wildfires we’ve experienced in our county, what he thinks is the reason for the increase in fires, and how critical decisions are made in the first few minutes after a fire ignites.