What is a National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level?
As wildland fire activity intensifies each year, managing fire resources has become increasingly urgent. Fighting these fires puts a significant strain on available resources, so a scale was developed to assess the severity of a fire incident and determine whether local resources are sufficient to manage it. This scale, known as the National Fire Preparedness Levels, helps guide resource allocation and response efforts.
When Preparedness Levels rise, so does the need for a surge in resources—everything from additional personnel and fire engines to helicopters, air tankers, and specialized heavy equipment. Behind these strategic decisions is the National Multi-Agency Coordination Group (NMAC), whose role in determining these levels is critical to ensuring swift and efficient fire suppression. In a world where fires are growing larger and more unpredictable, the right resources at the right time can make all the difference.
What do the National Wildland Fire Preparedness Levels mean?
Preparedness Levels are determined by factors nationally, geographically, and locally. Fire activity, burning conditions, and resource availability are just some of the factors that gauge preparedness levels.
Five Preparedness Levels (PLs)
Preparedness Level 1: The geographic area utilizes local resources with little to no national support.
Preparedness Level 2: The geographic area may require national support to support incident management, and resource availability remains stable nationally.
Preparedness Level 3: This geographic area requires mobilizing national resources to sustain incident objectives. National priorities are established to meet the demand for this active area.
Preparedness Level 4: The geographic area requires national assistance. Resources are heavily committed to suppressing incidents, and national priorities govern all resource types.
Preparedness Level 5: The geographic area requires a significant commitment of national resources, and additional measures are taken to support them. Emergency measures are used to suppress incidents.
You can learn more about the details of each level here.
You can learn more about what actions are taken at each preparedness level here.
What does a National Wildland Fire Preparedness Level 5 mean?
When we are at PL5 nationally, resources are often stretched thin when it lasts for an extended period of time. Military and international support is called upon if additional help is needed. According to the NMAC criteria, our country has a full commitment to national resources, meaning that out-of-country resources may be called upon if needed. In June 2024, the national preparedness level rose to PL5 and remained well into August, which is unusual compared to the last decade. Local fire personnel were joined by crews from Australia and New Zealand in the Northwest and Boise National Forest, Idaho.
When international help is needed
International crews often assist in fires that become difficult to manage. The International Mobilization Guide was established in 2024 to communicate standards for mobilizing and demobilizing resources responding to international fires. This guide is for resources from Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand responding to fires in the United States. Agreements are bilateral and determine the correct processes for total resource mobility. You can find the International Mobilization Guide here.
Where to find more information about national and local fires
Preparedness Levels help agencies gauge the resource availability and might not be directly relevant to civilians. But these levels help in understanding how strenuous the fire may be on your local fire agencies. Changes in PLs will be posted on NIFC or the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) social media accounts. You can also look at the National Fire News on the NIFC website.
For the most up-to-date wildland fire information about individual fires in the United States, visit the daily Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR) HERE. This is where you can see individual stats on fires, such as total acres burned, percent contained, total crew resources, and total cost.
For the most up-to-date wildland fire map, visit the InciWeb HERE.
For the most up-to-date road closure and travel route information in areas where there are wildfires, dial 511 or download your state’s travel information HERE.
Information on local wildfire evacuations
If you receive phone notifications about red flag alerts for poor air quality and see evacuations in your area, you should stay up to date on wildfire news to ensure there are no immediate threats to you, your family, or your home. In most states, local sheriffs are responsible for ordering evacuations due to fires threatening homes. Follow your local sheriff’s office on social media or visit their website for additional information. Most sheriff’s offices will immediately post any new local fire news and evacuation information.
While the Preparedness Level may not directly impact you, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that resources are effectively allocated to support your local firefighters. If you happen to cross paths with one, take a moment to thank them. These brave individuals are risking their lives to protect us, just like all first responders. If you’d like to show support through volunteering or donating, consider contacting the National Interagency Fire Center or your local fire station. They can help connect you with opportunities to assist in meaningful ways. Every bit of support makes a difference!
Header Image courtesy of South Metro Fire Rescue
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