Fire Danger
Rating and Color
Code |
Description |
Low (L)
(Green) |
Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands although a more
intense
heat source, such as lightning, may start fires in duff or punky
wood. Fires
in open cured grasslands may burn freely a few hours after
rain, but woods
fires spread slowly by creeping or smoldering, and burn
in irregular fingers.
There is little danger of spotting. |
Moderate (M)
(Blue) |
Fires can start from most accidental causes but, with the exception
of
lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally
low.
Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly
on
windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The
average
fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations
of fuel,
especially draped 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. |
High (H)
(Yellow) |
All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most
causes.
Unattended brush and 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 fuels. Fires
may
become serious and their control difficult unless they are
attacked
successfully while small. |
Very High (VH)
(Orange) |
Fires start easily from all causes and, immediately after ignition,
spread
rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Spot fires are a
constant
danger. Fires burning in light fuels may quickly develop high
intensity
characteristics such as long-distance spotting and fire whirlwinds
when
they burn into heavier fuels. |
Extreme (E)
(Red) |
Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires
are
potentially serious. Development into high intensity burning
will
usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high
fire
danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be
dangerous
except immediately after ignition. Fires that develop headway 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 the
fuel
supply lessens. |
