Risk levels are determined by fuel conditions, drought status, and long-term weather forecasts. They are categorized by how easily fires can start and how hard they are to contain. The risk level definitions are:

• Low: Fuels do not ignite easily. Weather conditions will lead to slow spread and relatively easy to control fires.
• Moderate: Fire can start from accidental causes. May not become serious, but caution should be taken.
• High: Fires ignite easily and spread quickly. Unattended brush fires and campfires are likely to escape. Fires may become serious if not attacked early.
• Extreme: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. Every fire started has the potential to become large. Expect extreme, erratic behavior.