Olympic
National Forest
1835 Black Lk Blvd SW
Olympia, WA 98512
(360) 956-2402
TTD (360) 956-2401 |
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Western Red Cedar Thuja
plicata |
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Fire Ratings
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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