Wildfire Danger Index

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

Wildfires are rapidly taking over our state of Florida. The lack of rain this spring is fueling wildfires across Florida, making 2017 fire season the most active fire season since 2011. So far this year over 2,000 wildfires have consumed more than 150,000 Florida acres.

With wildfires being so active, staying informed and being safe is of the up most importance. The state of Florida provides its’ residents with a Fire Danger Index (FDI), which is a continuous reference scale for estimating the potential for a fire to start and require suppression action on any given day. The Fire Danger Indices are classified as Low, Moderate, High, Very High, or Extreme, and represented by a color. Below is a description of each fire warning level and the specific actions that should be taken.

LOW: Green

(FDI: 0-11) Easy for fires to be controlled, and there is little to no risk for life or property damage. Monitor the situation for changes and know where to get additional information

MODERATE: Yellow

(FDI: 12-24) Fires can be controlled. Expect embers to blown away, which can cause small fires around main fire. It is unlikely for loss of life, and there will be minimal property damage. Be well prepared and to defend home in case of wind speed or direction change.

HIGH: Orange

(FDI: 25-49) Fires may be difficult to control. Embers will blow ahead of fire, causing tree tops to burn and spot fires that can be up to 2 km from main fire. Some home and business could be affected, but there is a low chance for loss of life or injuries. Only stay at your residents if you’re well prepared and can actively defend it.

VERY HIGH: Red

(FDI: 50-74) Fires will be uncontrollable, move quickly, and flames may exceed the tree tops. Embers will blow around and cause spot fires that can be up to 4 km from main fire. Buildings may be damaged or destroyed, and there is a chance for loss of life or injuries. For insured survival, leaving your residents early is the safest option. Only stay if you’re well prepared and you can actively defend your home.

EXTREME: Purple

(FDI: 75-100+) Fires will be uncontrollable, unpredictable, and fast-moving. Flames will be higher than the tree tops, and embers will be blowing by the thousands. Spot fires will be forming in all directions and fast-moving. Anything that comes in the path of the fire will be affected. Hundreds of homes and businesses will be destroyed. Leaving is the best and safest option for survival.

If you spot a forest fire, remain calm, go to the nearest telephone and dial 911 to report the fire as quickly as possible to your local fire department. Calmly tell the emergency dispatcher when and where you saw it. Stay on the telephone until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.