Fire Ratings and Levels

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels Hotline: 1-800-527-3305

Industrial Fire Precaution Levels Related Links

What is a Fire Danger Rating?

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.

What are Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL)?

Level I - Closed Season
Fire precaution requirements are in effect. A Fire Watch/Security is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

Level II - Partial Hootowl
The following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. local time:

  • Power saws except at loading sites,
  • Cable yarding,
  • Blasting,
  • Welding or cutting of metal.

Level III - Partial Shutdown
The following are prohibited except as indicated:

Cable yarding - except that gravity operated logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may operate between 8 p.m. and 1 p.m. when all blocks and moving lines are suspended 10 feet above the ground except the line between the carriage and the chokers.
Power saws - except power saws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder operations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.

In addition, the following are permitted to operate between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m.:

  • Tractor, skidder, feller-buncher, forwarder or shovel logging operations where tractors, skidders or other equipment with a blade capable of constructing fireline are immediately available to quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start,
  • Mechanized loading or hauling of any product or material, blasting,
  • Welding or cutting of metal,
  • Any other spark emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

Level IV - General Shutdown
All operations are prohibited.



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