High Risk Oregon  ·  Wildfire / Flooding

Jackson County OR

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS & DISASTER RISK PROFILE  ·  LAST UPDATED: Mar 2026

7/ 10
Threat Score
Population
220,944
Area
2785
sq miles
Primary Hazard
Wildfire / Flooding
FEMA Disasters
34
federally declared

Jackson County in southern Oregon's Rogue Valley was devastated by the Almeda Fire on September 8 2020, which destroyed the communities of Talent and Phoenix in a matter of hours killing three people. The fire spread through suburban neighborhoods with terrifying speed driven by powerful east winds. The Rogue River creates flooding risk and the county faces serious ongoing wildfire threat each summer.

// Preparedness Recommendations

  • Evacuation routes inland should be identified in advance.
  • Store at least 72 hours of food and water.
  • Elevate critical belongings above flood level.
  • Have backup power ready in case of grid failure.

// Recommended Supplies

Essential gear for power outages, severe weather, and emergency situations in your area.

// Risk Intelligence

Threat Score 7 / 10    High Risk
Primary Hazard Wildfire / Flooding
Secondary Hazard Earthquake
FEMA Flood Zone Zone X (Wildfire Risk)
Federally Declared Disasters 34
Last Major Event Almeda Fire (2020)
Event Frequency Major event every 3–5 years

// Emergency Operations

Emergency Mgmt Phone (541) 774-6999
Emergency Shelters 14 designated facilities
Evacuation Routes I-5 North, I-5 South, OR-62 North, OR-140 East

// County Profile

County Jackson County OR
State Oregon (OR)
Population 220,944
Area 2785 sq miles
FEMA Region Zone X (Wildfire Risk)

// Major Cities

Ashland OR Medford OR

// Cities in This County

// Other Oregon Counties