Per the National Interagency Standards for Resource Mobilization, the national preparedness level dropped to PL1 at 7:30 a.m. MDT on October 14 due to the factors below:
Geographic areas can accomplish incident management objectives utilizing local resources with little or no national support. There is little risk of drawing down capability in any geographic area to support incident operations.
Conditions are not favorable to support significant wildland fire activity in most geographic areas.
Resource capability is adequate with little or no mobilization of resources occurring through NICC.
Potential for emerging significant wildland fires is expected to remain minimal.
Firefighters are currently working to contain 11 large fires across the country. There are 1,820 firefighters and support personnel assigned to incidents, including 18 crews, 113 engines, and 9 helicopters.
Year-to-date, 64,718 fires have burned more than 9 million acres, 132% of the 10-year average number of fires and 143% of the average acres burned for this date.
In fire-prone areas, yard work is not just about making your house look nice. It can also protect your property from wildfires by creating defensible space. Here are some tips:
Prune trees six to ten feet above the ground.
Remove dead leaves and branches and dispose of them.
Keep your lawn green and short.
Store firewood away from the house.
Be prepared for a fire emergency by having a plan for your family and pets.
Check out the latest in home and landscape preparation at Firewise.org.
