Fire Danger Ratings

• 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, but fires burning in forested areas spread slowly by creeping or smoldering, and burn in irregular fingers. There is little danger of spotting.

• Moderate

  

  Fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate. 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Extreme

  

  The fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires under extreme conditions 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 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 the fuel supply lessens.

• National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC)

  

  Located in Boise, Idaho, NIFC is the nationwide clearinghouse for information on current wildland fire status and national situation reports.

  Current Wildland Fire Status

• There is More to Smokey’s Sign Than You Might Expect

  As you pass Smokey’s sign, take notice of the fire hazard warning, but even before you start your trip, check fire hazard conditions of your destination using the wildfireSAFE app. Developed by Forest Service fire scientists for communities and firefighters, wildfireSAFE displays daily and weekly fire hazard forecasts, as well as a risk analysis for every fire in the country.

  More Photos and Videos

• Improve Your Situational Awareness with the WildfireSAFE App

  Use the WildfireSAFE app and heighten your situational awareness. The wildfireSAFE app summarizes many of the extreme fire behavior variables and provides a fresh look at the current worst-case scenario and how that relates to today’s strategy and tactics.

  WildfireSAFE App

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