New Website Tool Helps Tourists Navigate Regions Affected by Wildfires

State tourism organizations in California, Oregon, and Washington have rolled out an enhanced website to provide travelers and advisors with up-to-date information about the ongoing wildfires.

WestCoastTravelFacts.org now includes webcams and real-time air-quality information at key destinations and multi-state itineraries to inform travelers who may decide to reroute road trips or seek more planning ideas for trips to the West Coast.

A “Current Conditions” mapping feature details air quality and allows visitors to navigate to other nearby destinations in the three states. It includes dozens of color-coded air-quality readings from the three states; 40 webcams that show real-time conditions at popular destinations, roadways and key attractions, including national parks; and locations and information for welcome centers in all three states.

The “Explore” section features popular itineraries in each state and a handful of multi-state road trips – handy information when travelers decide to re-route.

The effort builds on a year-old collaboration between the three states, with the formation of the West Coast Tourism Recovery Coalition to raise consumer awareness about the many communities and experiences that remain unaffected across the region.

“The West Coast is a massive 205-million acre area, and wildfires in one location typically have no impact beyond the immediate region,” said Caroline Beteta, president and CEO of Visit California. “Our first concern is always the safety and well-being of residents and visitors, so we recommend visitors planning a trip to the West Coast have access to most current facts and plan accordingly. This partnership and website will help them do that.”

California’s recent wildfires that scorched thousands of acres and prompted mass evacuations are largely under control. The vast majority of the Golden State is currently unaffected by fires, according to Visit California.

In Sonoma County’s wine country, the Kincade fire is 78% contained as of Sunday evening, according to Cal Fire. The week-long fire burned more than 77,000 acres and destroyed 174 residential properties and 11 commercial structures.

“The very best way to support Sonoma County in the coming months is to visit,” said Sonoma County Tourism’s website, adding that wineries, restaurants, retailers and lodging properties are “either up and fully operational or will be very soon.”

The Getty fire in that broke out in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles is fully contained over the weekend. It was caused by a tree branch that broke off and subsequently landed in nearby powerlines during high wind conditions, the LA Fire Department said.