Thurston County Emergency Management

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

☀️ Hot Weather Ahead! ☀️

A couple of hot days are in the forecast, with the most significant heat expected tomorrow.

While Thurston County is not opening cooling centers at this time, now is a great opportunity to visit an air-conditioned location such as a library, shopping mall, community center, or other indoor public space to stay cool. 📚❄️

💧 Drink plenty of water
🌳 Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
👵 Check on older adults, neighbors, and those who may be more vulnerable to the heat
🐾 Don't forget your pets—they need extra water and shade, too!

*Image description: Heat safety infographic with the headline, "Stay Indoors During Heat Waves." The graphic features a photo of a person cooling off indoors while holding a glass of water in front of a fan. Safety tips listed include: stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible and seek out a cooling center if your home does not have air conditioning; drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol; check on people most vulnerable to heat, including children and older adults; and if you must be outdoors, go early or late in the day and wear light-colored clothing. NOAA and weather.gov logos appear at the bottom of the graphic.

06/21/2026

⚠️Thurston County Public Health and Social Services issued a “Hazardous Weather” advisory to increase shelter-in-place efforts. Olympia Mutual Aid Partners (OlyMAP) will conduct outreach with emergency supplies to people without shelter. Sergio’s Place Service Center has extended hours on Tuesday, June 23, from 2–7 p.m.

Learn more: thurstoncountywa.gov/news/hazardous-weather-event-declared-tuesday-june-23

06/21/2026

☀️ Summer solstice is here, as is another wave of warm temperatures. There remains a moderate risk of heat related illnesses for those sensitive to the heat Mon-Wed, so be sure to stay hydrated/take breaks! Onshore air returns second half of the week, and we'll chat later about a chance of precipitation to finish off the week! 🌧️

06/19/2026

Do you know how you'll be notified during an emergency in Thurston County?

🚨 TC Alert is Thurston County's official emergency notification system. Sign up to receive local alerts about evacuations, severe weather, flooding, and other emergencies.

Don't wait—be prepared and stay informed.

✅ Sign up today: www.tcalert.org
📱 Text THURSTON to 67283 to register.

*In this photo: Promotional graphic encouraging Thurston County residents to sign up for TC Alert emergency notifications. The background shows an active wildfire with flames and smoke. At the top, the text reads, “Stay Informed with TC Alert” and “Text THURSTON to 67283.” A panel in the center explains that users can sign up for TC Alert to receive important notifications via text message. Icons highlight severe weather alerts and emergency notifications. A smartphone image displays a sample TC Alert text message confirming registration and directing users to tcalert.org to customize alerts. A QR code is included for easy registration. At the bottom, the Thurston County Emergency Management logo appears alongside the message, “Sign Up Today – tcalert.org.”

06/18/2026

The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has elevated the fire danger to “Moderate" in Thurston Counties. As a result, Land Clearing Burning is now prohibited due to fire safety concerns

06/18/2026

More hot days are on the way! ☀️

As temperatures rise, take steps now to protect yourself, your family, and your pets from heat-related illness.

Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Stay in air-conditioned buildings or cool indoor spaces when possible.
Take frequent breaks in the shade if you're working or spending time outdoors.
Check on older adults, neighbors, and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.
Make sure pets have access to fresh water and a cool place to rest.
Never leave children or pets in a parked vehicle.

Stay informed about the forecast and be prepared for continued hot weather.

🌡️ We're tracking another warm start to next week (similar to this past Sunday and Monday). This time, Monday and Tuesday are expected to be the warmest days with widespread 80s and 90s, and moderate HeatRisk. Be prepared if you're planning to spend some time outdoors!

06/18/2026

Understanding evacuation levels can save lives. When local authorities recommend or order an evacuation, don't wait—leave early and follow official guidance. Conditions can change quickly during emergencies, and taking action promptly helps keep you, your loved ones, and first responders safe.

As a friendly reminder here is what each level means:

LEVEL 1 - BE READY: Be aware of the danger in your area and start preparing for possible evacuation. Monitor local media and check on neighbors. If you do not already have an evacuation plan or a go kit, assemble these now. Know how and where you will evacuate. Conditions can change suddenly, and you may not receive a LEVEL 2 - BE SET warning before you are ordered to LEVEL 3 - GO NOW. Prepare both the inside and outside of your home. Leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official evacuation order.

LEVEL 2 - BE SET: Be prepared for sudden evacuation. People who need help or more time to evacuate — people with disabilities, people with small children, people with medical conditions and people with large animals — should evacuate at this level. Have your go kit in your vehicle. Stay informed with local law enforcement and fire departments. Always remember to leave if you feel unsafe, do not wait for an official evacuation order.

LEVEL 3 - GO NOW: Danger in your area is current or imminent. Follow directions from law enforcement or fire departments and do not return home until officials have determined it is safe. Notification it is safe will be given as soon as possible.

Upriver Fire: Possible Human Remains Discovered in Burned Home

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Detectives, Spokane County Fire District 9 Fire Investigators, and Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit personnel discovered possible human remains in a home that was completely burned in the Upriver Fire.

# # #

On June 16, 2026, at approximately 5:20 pm, a family member requested a welfare check at the home because one of the residents had refused to evacuate and could not be contacted.

Deputies responded to the address and found the fire had destroyed it. Due to the extreme conditions and the ongoing fire in the area, they were unable to investigate further.

Deputies contacted the family member and learned that the person refused to leave their home after receiving the Level 3 Evacuation Alert and was still believed to be inside.

Call notes from earlier in the afternoon confirmed one person had refused to evacuate after the initial notification.

Additionally, at approximately 2:30 pm, Deputies and Spokane Police Officers responded to the residence again after a nearby home was reported to be fully engulfed in flames. With houses and trees on fire near the residence, Deputies and Officers knocked, announced themselves, and advised anyone inside to leave immediately.

With no response, they found the front door unlocked and entered, repeating the announcement and the immediate need to evacuate, but again, received no reply. Soon after, they were ordered to evacuate the area as the fast-moving fire approached.

On June 17, 2026, at approximately 1:55 pm, Detectives, Fire Investigators, and Forensic Unit personnel went to the residence and located what appeared to be human remains.

Detectives and Fire Investigators will work with the Spokane County Medical Examiner's Office to confirm the possible decedent's identity, along with the cause and manner of death.

This remains an active investigation, and additional information is not available.

06/17/2026

06/16/2026