Daily Burn Forecast

View the Daily Burn Status for Contractors and Forest Product (woodcutting) permit holders. 

This page is updated daily by 4 p.m. Monday through Friday during the field season if information is available from the Central California Interagency Emergency Command Center. The information is also available by phone recording at 559-539-2607 Option 3.

Daily Status of Indicies, Project Activity Levels and Fire Danger Rating.

Forecast Date: September 14, 2026

Description 

The Indexes and Activity Levels serve a variety of purposes. Contractors need to be aware of the Project Activity Level, while Woodcutting Permit holders need to monitor the Fire Danger Level. The goal is to balance the reduction in the ignition risk of large damaging wildfires with the accomplishment of resource (forest projects) management activities.

Descriptions of different Indicies and Levels:

Project Activity Level (PAL) - A scientifically-based “decision support process” to provide a fire precautionary system for industrial operations on national forest lands in California. The PAL information is used by contractors.

• PAL is a danger-rating climatology-based system. It considers the effects of weather conditions for the last 30-45 days and overall seasonality.
  • A = Woodcutting allowed. Approved Spark arrestor required on chainsaws. Shovel and/or working fire extinguisher required, patrol area after cutting.
  • B = Woodcutting allowed. Approved Spark arrestor required on chainsaws. Shovel and/or working fire extinguisher required, patrol area after cutting.
  • C = Woodcutting allowed. Approved Spark arrestor required on chainsaws. Shovel and/or working fire extinguisher required, patrol area after cutting.
  • D = Woodcutting allowed until 1 p.m. Approved Spark arrestor required on chainsaws. Shovel and/or working fire extinguisher required, patrol area after cutting.
  • EV or E = No woodcutting allowed
  • The Project Activity Level is derived from a matrix using the Energy Release Component (ERC) and Ignition Component (IC) outputs from the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) processor within the Weather Information Management System (WIMS). WIMS receives weather observations from Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) to calculate ERC and IC. PAL uses ERC to better represent large fuel moistures and weather from the previous 30-45 days to reduce significant fluctuations in activity levels on a daily basis.
• Adjective Rating (R) - A public information component of the NFDRS specific to the rating of fire danger. Adjective ratings are: low(L), moderate(M), high(H), very high(VH) and extreme(E). 
  • These levels are used by Woodcutting permit Holders to determine if chainsaw use is permitted all day, until 1:00 pm, or not allowed.

Understanding Fire Danger Adjectives

• Extreme 
  • No chain saw use for Forest Product Permit Holders (woodcutting permits)
    • Fires start quickly, spread quickly, and burn intensely
    • All fires are potentially serious
    • Development into high intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than during Very High fire danger
    • Every fire start has the potential to become large
    • Expect extreme, erratic fire behavior
    • NO OUTDOOR BURNING SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN AREAS WITH EXTREME FIRE BEHAVIOR
    • Fire restrictions are generally in effect
• Very High 
  • No chain saw use for Forest Product Permit Holders (woodcutting permits)
    • 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 in heavier fuels
    • Both suppression and mop-up will require an extended and very thorough effort
    • Outdoor burning is not recommended
    • Fire restrictions may be in effect
• High 
  • Chainsaw use is permitted before 1:00 pm for Forest Product Permit Holders (woodcutting permits)
    • All fine, dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and camp fires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. Fires may become serious and their control is difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small. Outdoor burning should be restricted to early morning or late evening hours.
• Moderate 
  • Chainsaw use is permitted all day Forest Product Permit Holders (woodcutting permits)
    • Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Expect moderate flame length and rate of spread. Short-distance spotting may occur, but is not persistent. Fires are not likely to become serious and control is relatively easy. Although controlled burning can be done without creating a hazard, routine caution should be taken.
• Low 
  • Chainsaw use is permitted all day Forest Product Permit Holders (woodcutting permits)
    • 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. Weather and fuel conditions will lead to slow fire spread, low intensity and relatively easy control with light mop-up. There is little danger of spotting. Controlled burns can usually be executed with reasonable safety.