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Fire Danger Descriptions
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LOW Fires are not easily started. Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands, although, a more intense ignition source, such as lightning, may start many fires in duff or punky wood. Fires in open cured grassland may burn freely a few hours after rain, bur fires burning in forested areas spread slowly by creeping or smoldering and burn in irregular fingers. There is also a danger of spotting.
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MODERATE Fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate. Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires is some areas, the number of start is generally low. Fires in open-cured grassland will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Woods fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel may burn hot. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious, and control is relatively easy. |
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HIGH Fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes, or in concentrations of fine fuel. Fire may become serious and difficult to control unless they are hit hard and fast while small. |
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VERY HIGH Fires start very easily and spread at a very fast rate. Fires start easily from all causes, spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Spot fires are a constant danger. Fires burning in heavy fuels may quickly develop high-intensity characteristics, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds. Direct attack at the head of such fires is rarely possible after they have been burning more than a few minutes.
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EXTREME The fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires under extreme conditions start quickly, spread quickly, and burn intensely. All fires are a threat and potentially serious. Development in high-intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from small fires than in the "very high" danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible, and may be dangerous, except immediately after ignition. Fires burning in heavy slash or in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions, the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or until there is a decrease in the fuel supply. |
Fire Preparedness Level Descriptions
The National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (MAC) establishes Preparedness Levels throughout the calendar year to help assure that firefighting resources are ready to respond to new incidents. Preparedness Levels are dictated by burning conditions, fire activity, and resources availability.
The five Preparedness Levels range from I to V, with V being the highest level. Each Preparedness Level has specific management directions. As the Preparedness Levels rise, more federal and state employees become available for fire mobilization if needed.
Preparedness Level I - Minimal large fire activity is occurring nationally. Most geographic areas have low to moderate fire danger. There is little or no commitment of national resources.
Preparedness Level II - Several geographic areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger. Wildland fire activity is increasing and large fires are occurring in one or more geographic areas. Minimal mobilization of resources from other geographic areas is occurring. There is moderate commitment of national resources with the potential to mobilize additional resources with the potential to mobilize additional resources from other geographic areas.
Preparedness Level III - Several geographic areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger. Wildland fire activity is increasing and large fires are occurring in one or more geographic areas. Minimal mobilization of resources from other geographic areas is occurring. There is moderate commitment of national resources with the potential to mobilize additional resources from other geographic areas.
Preparedness Level IV - Three or more geographic areas are experiencing incidents requiring Type 1 and 2 IMT's. Competition exists between geographic areas. Nationally, 60 percent of Type 1 and 2 IMT's and crews are committed.
Preparedness Level V - Geographic areas are experiencing major incidents which have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. 80 percent of Type 1 and 2 IMT's and crews are committed, as well as the majority of other national resources.
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