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Understanding Wildfire Jargon
Wildfire terminology explained: fire lines, containment, evacuation orders, sheltering in place, and post-fire cleanup.
English
United States
Climate ChangeSafetyEmergencyEvacuationWildfireCleanup
U.s. Forest ServiceWashington State Department Of Natural ResourcesAssociated Press
Russ Lane
- What is a fire line and how is it created?
- A fire line, also known as a fuel break, is a barrier created by firefighters to stop the spread of wildfires. It can be constructed using bulldozers, hand shovels, or natural breaks like roads and rivers. Flame retardant may also be used to reinforce these lines.
- What does it mean when a wildfire is 100% contained?
- A fire is considered 100% contained when it's controlled, but not necessarily extinguished. This means flames and smoldering fuels are out, and unburnt fuels are removed from the fire line perimeter. Complete extinguishment may take days or weeks.
- What cleanup activities are carried out after a wildfire?
- After a wildfire, crews spend days or weeks cleaning up the area. This includes removing hazardous trees, clearing brush and fuel sources that could reignite, and generally making the area safe for residents to return.
- Under what circumstances would authorities order people to shelter in place?
- Sheltering in place is an order given when evacuation is too dangerous or impossible. This is typically done when there's not enough time to leave or if the evacuation itself would pose a greater threat than staying put.
- What is the difference between an evacuation order and an evacuation warning?
- Evacuation orders are issued when fire danger is imminent, while evacuation warnings alert residents to prepare for potential evacuation. Emergency managers consider fire behavior, weather, escape time, shelter availability, and risk to life when making these decisions.