Prevention
Fire Restrictions
Fire restrictions help reduce the risk of human-caused fires during unusually high fire danger and/or burning conditions. Check current fire restrictions before heading out to enjoy the Forest.
Also check with the state of North Carolina Forest Service and county fire departments for bans on open burning or other fire-related prohibitions.
Fire Danger
Fire managers assess fire danger conditions for a given area using the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS). This provides a numeric measure to assist the fire manager in making decisions.
You may see Smokey Bear fire signs with fire danger levels alongside roads across North Carolina. Knowledge of these levels can help forest visitors know whether it’s safe to start a campfire. Homeowners may choose to postpone burning a debris pile if they are aware of the fire danger level for that day. Contractors working in the forest may consider extra precautions when using equipment that might produce sparks. The Forest Service may even restrict certain activities based on the fire danger levels.
We use five 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. Shown below is a brief explanation of the different fire danger levels, using adjectives and colors based on criteria established by the National Fire Danger Rating System.
Fire danger levels and corresponding meanings
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.