Fire Danger Status Explained

Low (green)

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• Fuels do not ignite readily from small embers that break away from the main fire and are carried by the wind, potentially igniting a new fire, also known as firebrands.
• A more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start fires in duff or punky wood (rotten wood that is soft and spongy from fungal decay).
• Fires in open, dried out grasslands may burn freely a few hours after rain.
• Timber fires spread slowly by creeping or smoldering and burn in irregular fingers, the long, narrow extensions of a fire projecting from the main body.
• There is little danger of spotting (when sparks or embers are carried by the wind and start new fires beyond the zone of direct ignition by the main fire).

Moderate (blue)

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• Fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of starts is generally low, with the exception of lightning fires in some areas.
• Fires in open, dried out grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days.
• Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast.
• The average fire has a moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel may burn hot, especially draped fuel, such as leaves and pine needles loosely on limbs or shrubs.
• Short-distance spotting may occur but is not persistent.
• Fires are not likely to become serious, and control is relatively easy.

High (yellow)

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• All fine dead fuels ignite readily, and fires start easily from most causes.
• Unattended brush and campfires are likely to escape.
• Fires spread rapidly.
• High-intensity burning may develop on slopes or in concentrations of fine (fast-drying) fuels.
• Short-distance spotting is common.
• Fires may become serious, and control is difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small.

Very High (orange)

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• Fires start easily from all causes.
• Immediately after ignition, fires spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity.
• Spotting is 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 (red)

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• 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 rating.
• Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous, except immediately after ignition.
• Fires that progress in heavy slash (debris left after logging, pruning, thinning or brush cutting) or in forests made up of conifer trees may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts.
• Under these conditions, the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks (parts of a fire's perimeter that are roughly parallel to the main direction of spread) until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens.