STFPD11.org - Fire Danger

Fire danger is the probability of a fire to start, the rate of spread and intensity of its burn. Awareness of the following fire danger rating levels will help decrease wildfire ignitions.

LOW FIRE DANGER

Fires do not readily start.

Fires that do start spread slowly with low resistance to control.

MODERATE FIRE DANGER

Fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of starts is generally low.

Fires burn at moderate intensities, heavy fuel concentrations will burn hot.

HIGH FIRE DANGER

Fires start easily from most causes.

Control of fires can become difficult if initial attack not initiated promptly, especially in heavy fuels.

Most fires controlled within first burning period.

VERY HIGH FIRE DANGER

Fires start readily and spread quickly.

Resistance to control is high, as is the potential for large fires.

Fire behavior is often erratic, "blow up" potential is high.

EXTREME FIRE DANGER

Severe fire conditions, potential for fire disaster is high.

Direct attack of fires is virtually impossible, fires often escape initial attack.

Fire behavior is erratic, "blow ups" may be expected.

Resistance to control is high, fires not usually controlled until burning subsides.