National Fire Outlook Raised to Preparedness Level 5, Highest Possible Wildfire Threat
Due to increased risk of wildland fires, the agency comprised of top federal and state fire managers raised the national Fire Preparedness Level to its highest possible rating. "Up until yesterday we were at a Level 4," explained National Interagency Fire Center spokesman Mike Ferris. But Monday night weather and current fire conditions, which include active fires burning throughout the west, prompted a decision by the National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group to bump up to the highest mark, Ferris said. The Preparedness Level ranges from one, indicating minimal activity, to five, which signals very high activity with extreme growth potential. The increased Preparedness Level reflects the large number or wildfires currently burning, a major commitment of available fire resources, and the probability that severe conditions will continue. Lightning storms, particularly in Northern California and moving east through Idaho and up through Montana, have fire managers preparing for worsening conditions.
The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) increased the national Preparedness Level (PL) to "5" August 21. Theraised level reflects high fire activity, a major commitment of fire resources, and the probability that severe conditions will continue for at least a few days. Currently Idaho, Oregon, and Utah are very busy with large fires. California and Montana have several emerging large fires due to recent lightning storms.
Some national resources are in short supply, such as smokejumpers, hotshot crews, airtankers, and helicopters. However, shortages are not uncommon at PL5. Fire managers have a high level of expertise in balancing needs and resources. They are working diligently to best allocate the available resources and make progress on the most difficult fires.
Two MAFFS C-130 aircraft from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Cheyenne (Wyoming Air National Guard) and one from the 302nd Airlift Wing, Colorado Springs (Air Force Reserve) are supporting wildland fire suppression operations out of Boise, ID. Two MAFFS from the 146th Airlift Wing (California Air National Guard) are supporting wildland fire suppression operations out of Channel Islands Air National Guard Station, CA.