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CampGuard WA

How to check a Washington camp’s flood and wildfire smoke risk

Sources checked October 30, 2026. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.

Washington camps sit in beautiful places: rivers, forests, and mountains. A few free public tools help you understand a camp’s setting so you can ask good questions. Plan on about an evening.

These maps describe an area, not a camp’s plans. A mapped hazard doesn’t mean a camp is a poor choice, and no mapped hazard doesn’t mean there is nothing to plan for. Use them to start a conversation with the camp.

Step 1: Look up the flood map

FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center (opens in a new tab) (checked October 30, 2026) is the official public source for National Flood Insurance Program flood maps. Type the camp’s street address into the search box and open the map for that location. Shaded areas show mapped flood hazard zones.

Washington’s Department of Ecology also offers a flood map tool (opens in a new tab) (checked October 30, 2026) that can be easier to browse.

Step 2: Check wildfire information

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) collects its wildfire resources (opens in a new tab) in one place, including wildfire hazard and risk mapping (opens in a new tab) and current wildfire incident information (opens in a new tab) (all checked October 30, 2026).

Step 3: Know how smoke days are handled

According to the Washington State Departments of Health and Ecology guidance “Wildfire Smoke Guidance for Canceling Outdoor Events or Activities and Closing Schools” (opens in a new tab) (DOH 334-428, June 2025, checked October 30, 2026):

  • At an AQI of 101 or higher (“Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups”), modify or limit children’s outdoor activities, move them to an area with better air, or consider canceling.
  • At an AQI of 151 or higher (“Unhealthy”), cancel children’s outdoor activities or move them to an area with better air.
  • At an AQI of 201 or higher (“Very Unhealthy”), cancel outdoor public events.

For current conditions, the Department of Health’s Smoke From Fires (opens in a new tab) page, the Washington Smoke Blog (opens in a new tab), and AirNow (opens in a new tab) are good places to check (all checked October 30, 2026).

Step 4: Ask the camp a few calm questions

  • Do you have a written plan for floods and wildfires? May I read it?
  • Who watches weather and fire alerts, including overnight?
  • What do campers do on smoke days, and what air quality level changes the schedule?
  • How would you contact families, and where would we pick up our child if you moved?

A clear answer usually names a person or role, a written plan, and how families hear from the camp. Record answers on the free Compare camps worksheet.

Sources