As the state’s lead agency for wildfire response, we establish Wildland Fire Preparedness Levels throughout the year to ensure resource availability for wildfire incidents across the state.
Preparedness Levels 1-5 are planning assumptions and actions dictated by fuel and weather conditions, current and expected wildfire activity, regional preparedness levels, and fire suppression resource availability in state.
Level 1
Minimal drought and normal fuel moisture allow local resources to suppress wildfires without issue. Fire activity is minimal.
Level 2
Elevated fire danger is observed in some regions of the state. Additional resources may be requested to assist, and aircraft may be staged in state for response.
Level 3
Wildfire activity is impacting several regions of the state as the result of drought, dry vegetation or frequent fire weather events. Texas A&M Forest Service strategically positions personnel, equipment and aircraft in areas at risk. Additional resources, including those from other regions, agencies or states, may be necessary.
Level 4
A very high volume of wildfires, including large fires and fires that are resistant to control, is reported daily across the state. The fire environment will support increased wildfire activity and a heavy commitment of state and local resources for long durations is likely required. Continued mobilization of interagency resources and the activation of incident
management teams may occur.
Level 5
The highest level of wildland fire activity and indicates heavy resource commitment to fires locally and across the state. Conditions will support large, complex wildfire incidents across the state.