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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
bum 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. Increased
likelihood for extreme fire behavior
can be expected. |
|
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. |
HAINES INDEX:
Haines Index
is a measure of atmospheric instability and
is measured on a scale of 2 (Very Low)
through 6 (High). Have you ever seen a
leaf or piece of litter such as a potato
chip bag lofted high into the air or little
whirls of dust and debris that look like
micro-miniature tornados, these are
indicators of an unstable atmosphere and
therefore a moderate to high Haines Index.
This translates to a wildfire as a risk for
extreme fire behavior such as runs, flares,
spotting etc. and is also a risk factor for
controlled fires breaking containment.
If your area has a Haines Index of 5 or 6,
it is a good idea to not burn on such days.
RED FLAG
WARNING:
The criteria for a RED FLAG WARNING are as
follows: sustained winds or frequent gusts
greater than 15 mph, relative humidity less
than or equal to 30 percent and 10-hour fuel
moisture less than or equal to 15 percent.
This is the set criteria however we also
take into account how long the surface has
been dry and the amount of available fuels.
OUTDOOR
BURNING CONDITION DESCRIPTIONS:
NORMAL - Normal precautions such as keep
watch over your fire and keep a rake and a
charged garden hose available for use in
keeping your fire in place should suffice.
CAUTION -
Exercise all normal precautions plus
additional caution will be necessary to
ensure containment of your fire. Never
turn your back on your fire for even a
moment. Periodically wet the area
around your fire with a spray from your
garden hose.
EXTREME CAUTION - Exercise extreme
caution. Open burning is strongly
discouraged. If you burn, do so only
in a receptacle such as a burn barrel and
ensure you use a screen over it to limit
sparks from escaping. As always, keep
a rake and a charged garden hose at the
ready and periodically wet the surrounding
area with a spray from your garden hose.
Don't burn as much at one time. If the
fire seems to be getting too hot, you may
want to dampen it with a light spray from
the hose as well. Again, never turn
your back on your fire for even a moment.
DO NOT BURN - Outdoor burning of any
type should not even be attempted.
Conditions are too dangerous to be able to
burn safely under any circumstances.
Fires can easily break containment no matter
what precautions you take. Wait for
another day.
REMEMBER
- Your fire is your responsibility!
If you have a fire that breaks
containment and causes a wildfire,
YOU will be held responsible
for the full cost of extinguishing the
fire. In addition, you may face
civil and/or criminal charges. You
are responsible for damage to other
people's property as well as timber
damage and other possible fines, costs,
and fees. Most municipalities and
developments regulate outdoor burning.
Know you local ordinances and community
rules before you burn. Some
communities do not permit burning at
all.
There are
alternatives to burning your yard debris
such as brush piles for wildlife or
composting. To learn more about
alternatives to burning, check out our
Learn Not 2
Burn page.
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