WASHINGTON- As fire season intensifies, many are discussing the National Interagency Fire Center’s preparedness levels. These levels are designed for firefighters and staff assisting during wildfires, helping them know when to be ready at a moment’s notice.
According to the agency, the current status is at a preparedness Level 4. This indicates that national resources are heavily committed, and there is an immediate need for crews across the U.S. One higher level exists, but forecasts suggest the country will not exceed level four this year. The last level five occurred in August last year.
The Interagency Fire Center emphasized that these levels are primarily significant to fire crews. For the public, they advise focusing on local fire restrictions and burn bans. “What the public can pay more attention to locally, is those fire restrictions, burn bans, be aware of when you’re using equipment out there. We are at high or extreme fire danger. Use spark arrestors. There are things that the public can do to help us out. Keep those preparedness levels maybe a little lower and do not have those ignitions on the ground,” they stated.
The agency uses various indicators and predictive resources to make decisions regarding preparedness levels.
