Fire Danger Levels and Restrictions Explained
Looking for current fire restrictions? Visit our Fire Information page.
Fire Danger Levels Explained (Low to Extreme)
We use 5 different color-coded levels to help the public understand fire potential. The purpose of this is for visitors to understand the current conditions and help mitigate their actions to prevent human-caused wildfires.
When the fire danger is "Low," it means that fuels do not ignite easily from small embers, but a more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start fires in duff or dry rotten wood. Fires in open, dry grasslands may burn easily a few hours after a rain, but most wood fires will spread slowly, creeping or smoldering. Control of fires is generally easy.
When the fire danger is "Moderate," it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control.
When the fire danger is "High," fires can start easily from most causes, and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small.
When the fire danger is "Very High," fires will start easily from most causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls. These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.
When the fire danger is "Extreme," fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "Very High" level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight and may become very dangerous and often last for several days or weeks
Fire Restrictions Explained (Stages I-III)
Fire Restrictions come in different stages and become more prohibitive with each stage. Look closely as they also include specific rules for each area and land jurisdiction they are for. Most begin by implementing a Stage I Restriction and if conditions worsen, Stage II is implemented. Stage III is when conditions worsen further and a forest closure is implemented-- which means the public is not allowed to enter the boundaries of the national forest due to the danger.
- The number one reason is to protect human life, property and our natural resources. The smallest spark can turn our dry forest into a dangerous wildfire that can threaten lives and property.
- We use certain criteria to determine what stage of fire restrictions to implement, which includes current and predicted weather, number of resources available to fight fires, fuel moisture in the forest, fire behavior and containment challenges, as well as several others. Entering and exiting fire restrictions involves lengthy conversations with partner jurisdictions as well as analysis of conditions and scientific factors--it is not a decision that is made quickly or by "instinct."
- Regardless of what level of fire restrictions we implement, not all fires can be prevented. Fires start from careless forest users, lightning, and inadvertent human-causes. We live in a fire-adapted ecosystem which depends on fire for its health, so it's never a question of IF a wildfire will start, but WHEN and HOW we will be able to respond to it.
What is Prohibited:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire (including fires fueled by charcoal or briquettes) outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas).
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, or in developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- Welding, blasting, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame without being in a cleared area of at least 10 feet in diameter and keeping a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) with the operator.
- Chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum of 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
- Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
What is Allowed:
- Fires contained within a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas).
- Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, or in developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that i
- Petroleum-fueled stoves or grills with heat/flame sources that can be turned off immediately.
- Fully enclosed metal stove, grill, or sheep herder type stove with a chimney at least five feet in length and a mesh screen spark arrestor with a screen opening of ¼ inch or less.
- Shooting firearms IS allowed. Just make sure to follow normal federal rules: No shooting within a 150 yards of a campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, residence or building. No shooting across a road, trail or body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. No shooting in a cave.
- Chainsaw use IS allowed but only with an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. Do not cut directly on the ground where the chain can contact rocks while rotating, causing dangerous sparks.
- Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically exempting them from the prohibitions.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.
What is Prohibited:
- Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, including fires in developed recreation sites (campgrounds and picnic areas), charcoal grills and barbecues, coal and wood burning stoves, and sheepherder’s stoves.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, trailer, or building.
- Welding, blasting, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
- Internal combustion engine without an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor.
- Chainsaw without an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum of 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.
- Using an explosive. This includes but is not limited to fuses, blasting caps, fireworks, rockets, exploding targets, tracers, and incendiary ammunition.
- Possessing or using a motor vehicle off established roads, motorized trails or established parking areas, except when parking in an area devoid of vegetation within 10 feet of the vehicle.
What is Allowed:
- Pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials
- Generators with an approved spark arresting device in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
- Shooting firearms IS allowed. Just make sure to follow normal federal rules: No shooting within a 150 yards of a campsite, developed recreation site or occupied area, residence or building. No shooting across a road, trail or body of water, or in any manner or place whereby any person property is exposed to injury or damage as a result of such discharge. No shooting in a cave.
- Chainsaw use IS allowed but only with an effective and properly installed USDA- or Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)- approved spark arrestor, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher (with a minimum 8 oz. capacity and rating of 2A) kept with the operator, and a round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use. Do not cut directly on the ground where the chain can contact rocks while rotating, causing dangerous sparks.
- Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically exempting them from the prohibitions.
- Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.
- Residents, owners or lessees who are using a fire in a permanent dwelling with an effective and properly installed USDA- or SAE- approved spark arrestor
What is Prohibited:
- Going into or being upon the designated restricted area including all roads and trails in the designated area.
What is Allowed:
- Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically exempting them from the prohibitions.
- Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of official duty.