Montecito Fire Danger
Fire Danger Ratings Explained
The following are the terms and definitions for adjective fire danger as defined by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Fire Danger Working Team in 2000.
| Fire Danger Rating | Description |
|---|---|
| Low | 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. Fires in open cured grasslands may burn freely a few hours after rain, but woods fires spread slowly by creeping or smoldering, and burn in irregular fingers. There is little danger of spotting. |
| Moderate | Fires can start from most causes but, with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. Fires in open cured grasslands will burn briskly and spread rapidly on windy days. Timber fires spread slowly to moderately fast. The average fire is of moderate intensity, although heavy concentrations of fuel, especially draped 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 | All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended brush and 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 fuels. Fires may become serious and their control difficult unless they are attacked successfully while small. |
| Extreme | Fires 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 fire danger class. Direct attack is rarely possible and may be dangerous except immediately after ignition. Fires that develop headway in heavy slash or conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning conditions last. Under these circumstances the only effective and safe control actions are on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel loading decreases. |
Montecito Fire Danger sign set to Extreme during elevated fire weather conditions.