PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Rowe Creek Complex fire officials offered a list of advice and reminders to Crook County residents on Monday about long-term wildfire safety and returning home after recent evacuations.

Crook County Long Term Wildfire Safety and Returning After Evacuation

• Preservation of life is our top priority. If firefighters must assist residents who remain in a Level 3 evacuation area, those resources are pulled from active suppression. If you are under Level 3, please leave when the notice is issued. Conditions can change quickly, and it may become too late or unsafe to leave.

• If you see smoke in already burned areas, call the Fire Information Line at 541-800-1280 so Operations can be notified. Smoke well inside the burned area usually means remaining fuels are being consumed and does not pose a direct threat. Crews will extinguish these areas as time and resources allow to strengthen containment.

• Drive slowly in Level 3 evacuation areas. Fire engines and heavy equipment may be staged along roads or entering and leaving driveways. Large apparatus take longer to stop, so give them plenty of space.

• Fire apparatus or heavy equipment near your home are part of the suppression effort. Help crews by keeping gates open and driveways clear. Firefighters will continue working around homes and structures during suppression and mop-up. You may ask fire personnel questions when it is safe to do so.

• If you are in Level 1 or Level 2 evacuation status, help prepare your home by moving woodpiles at least 30 feet away, clearing needles and debris from roofs, decks and gutters, and removing flammable materials within 5 feet of the structure.

• When returning home after nearby fire activity, check gutters and other areas for embers. If you smell propane or your propane was shut off, contact your provider or a certified propane technician before entering or restarting service.

• Stay out of burned areas. Fire-weakened trees, burning stumps and ash pits—often visible as areas of white ash—can cause serious injury or burns.

• Report suspicious activity to the Crook County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (541) 447-6398. Photograph property damage for insurance claims.

• Fire retardant can generally be rinsed from surfaces with water.

• If water or power was shut off, inspect connections for damage before restoring service.

• Avoid using leaf blowers in burned areas; they can spread hot embers and stir up ash and other pollutants.

• Smoke may linger for several days after containment. Smoke or burning well inside the fire perimeter usually poses little risk of spread. If you see active fire near the fire edge or near structures, call non-emergency at 541-477-6398 Ext. 1.

Wildfire can be stressful. Anyone in Oregon affected by wildfire or wildfire smoke can call 1-833-669-0554 for emotional support. The hotline is available 24/7 and staffed by 211info.

Rowe Creek Complex Fire Information Line: 541-800-1280