Be prepared · Fire season
National Preparedness Level Definitions
Linda Bacon · August 19, 2016
The National Preparedness Level tells you how stretched the country's wildfire resources are right now. Note: Geographic Area preparedness level criteria may vary.
Going up
| Level | Description |
|---|---|
| PL 1 | Minimal large fire activity nationally. Most Geographic Areas have low to moderate fire danger. There is little or no commitment of National Resources. |
| PL 2 | Several Geographic Areas are experiencing high to extreme fire danger. Wildland fire activity is increasing, and large fires are occurring in one or more Geographic Areas. Minimal mobilization of resources from other Geographic Areas is occurring. There is moderate commitment of National Resources with the potential to mobilize additional resources from other Geographic Areas. |
| PL 3 | Two or more Geographic Areas are experiencing wildland or prescribed fire activities requiring a major commitment of National Resources. Additional resources are being ordered and mobilized through NICC. Type 1 and 2 Incident Management Teams are committed in two or more Geographic Areas and crew commitment nationally is at 50%. |
| PL 4 | Three or more Geographic Areas are experiencing incidents requiring Type 1 and 2 Incident Management Teams. Competition exists for resources between Geographic Areas. Nationally, 60% of Type 1 and 2 Incident Management Teams and crews are committed. |
| PL 5 | Geographic Areas are experiencing major incidents which have the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. Eighty percent (80%) of Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Management Teams and crews are committed, as well as the majority of other National Resources. |
Stepping back down
| Change | Description |
|---|---|
| 5 to 4 | Competition for resources has significantly decreased. No critical fire weather events are forecasted for the next 24 hours, and moderating weather conditions are forecasted for the next three to five days. |
| 4 to 3 | Significant demobilization is occurring. Crews are being released daily and sent to home units. Fifty percent (50%) of total crew capability is available for new fires. All ground DoD resources have been released. Moderating conditions are forecasted for the next 24 hours, and higher humidity and lower temperatures are forecasted for the major fire areas. |
| 3 to 2 | The majority of large fires are contained. Initial attack resources are again available. Geographic Area crew availability is at or above the 50% level. There is no competition for resources between Geographic Areas. Large fire areas are expected to receive precipitation, with associated higher humidity and lower temperatures. |
For more detailed information refer to the National Interagency Mobilization Guide, chapter 20.