Every June, fire preparations amp up across Colorado and Wyoming. Due to our hot, dry summers with high risk thunderstorms, the likelihood for large fires is something the American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming plan for all year. During fire season, fire managers use 5 different color-coded levels to help the public understand fire potential. The purpose of this is to help the public understand the current conditions and help influence their actions to prevent human-caused wildfires.
Knowledge of these levels can help campers make decisions about whether or not to have 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. In some cases, the National Forest may even restrict certain activities based on the fire danger levels.
Fire Danger Rating and Color Code Description
Dark Green – Low (L): 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 bum 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.
Light Green or Blue – Moderate (M): Fires can start from most accidental 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.
Yellow – High (H): 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.
Orange – Very High (VH): 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 into heavier fuels.
Red – Extreme (E): 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 in conifer stands may be unmanageable while the extreme burning condition lasts. Under these conditions the only effective and safe control action is on the flanks until the weather changes or the fuel supply lessens.
Knowing and understanding the fire danger ratings, gives us an idea of specific days when we need to be on alert and prepared to respond. Have you gotten ready for wildfire season? Do you know your risks? Check out our American Red Cross Emergency app for additional information, tips and sign up for weather alerts in your area and places you recreate. Download the app for wildfire and 34 other different emergency alerts, here.