Fire Behavior

(Part B, PMS 236)

Evaluate the current fire behavior and rank this element low, moderate, or high

Considerations: intensity; rates of spread; crowning; profuse or long-range spotting.
The following guidelines can help you determine an appropriate selection for Fire Behavior:

Low -

• Short duration flaming front with occasional torching.

• Fuels are uniform and fire behavior can be easily predicted and tactics implemented.

Moderate -

• Short range spotting occurring.

• Moderate rates of spread are expected with mainly surface fire and torching.

• Fuels and terrain are varied, but don’t pose significant problems in holding actions.

High -

• Long range spotting > ¼ mile.

• Extreme rates of spread, and crown fire activity are possible.

• Fuels, elevation, and topography vary throughout the fire area, creating high resistance to control.