ASHLAND FAMILY YMCA Wildfire and Evacuation Information 2025

As wildfire season continues in the Rogue Valley, we want to assure you that the safety of our members, staff, and community remains our top priority. We maintain updated wildfire safety and prevention policies to ensure we are prepared and proactive. These policies were created with assistance from the City of Ashland, and we feel that they help ensure that the safety of our members and participants remain the top priority.

Our team constantly monitors local fire conditions and air quality. In the event of elevated risk, we may adjust programming, relocate activities indoors, or temporarily close facilities to ensure everyone’s well-being. We will communicate any changes promptly via text, email, social media, and our website.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

1) YMCA Programs and Zones

  • The Ashland Family YMCA, Walker Elementary, and Bellview Elementary are all in ASH zone 006.
  • Helman Elementary is ASH zone 010.
  • Talent Elementary is TAL zone 005.

2) Facility and Program Closures

  • If any area where YMCA programs are operating is elevated to a Level 2 “Be Set” evacuation or higher, all YMCA programs in that area will close immediately for the day. This includes the main Ashland Family YMCA facility. Families will be contacted right away, and youth participants must be picked up immediately.

Additionally:

  • The Ashland Family YMCA, Walker Elementary, and Bellview Elementary are located in Zone ASH-006. If any adjacent zone—including ASH-003, 004, 005, 007, 009, or JAC-513, 532, or 541—reaches Level 2 or higher, we will treat it as a Level 2 for Zone 006 and close accordingly.
  • Helman Elementary is in Zone ASH-010. If any adjacent zone—ASH-002, 008, 009, or JAC-529—is elevated to Level 2 or higher, we will treat it as a Level 2 for Zone 010 and close Helman programs.
  • Talent Elementary is in Zone TAL-005. If any adjacent zone—TAL-003, 007, or JAC-505, 508, 525—is elevated to Level 2 or higher, we will treat it as a Level 2 for Zone 005 and close Talent programs.

3) Communication

  • In the event of closures or an emergency, we will communicate any changes promptly via text, email, social media, and our website.
  • If we are closing or if you need to pick up your child, text messaging will be the first way we will communicate with you. If you you are not opted in to receive text communication we very strongly recommend it, especially if you have youth in YMCA programs. Being able to effectively communicate with parents and guardians is important to the safety of participants.
  • To opt in to YMCA text communication please text AFYMCA to 54539.

4) Additional Notes

  • At the Ashland Family YMCA, safety is our top priority. When planning for wildfire risk, we decided that an abundance of caution was the best course of action for how to proceed. With the recent wildfire history in the Rogue Valley and surrounding areas, our goal is to be as proactive with safety as possible. We care deeply for our members and participants. Our goal is that when a true emergency arises all participants and members are already safely out of harm’s way. If you have further questions about our wildfire policy or need clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out at info@ashlandymca.org.

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Together, we can stay safe and strong this wildfire season.

Looking for more information about emergency preparedness and city/county zones? Visit the City of Ashland website here to learn more.

A recent Wellness Wednesday event hosted Kelly Burns, City of Ashland’s Emergency Management Coordinator, covered wildfire preparedness and evacuation information. To watch this video, click here.