Fire Danger Level
Low Fire Danger
Fuels are generally moist and the potential for wildfire spread is minimal. Fires are unlikely to start, and any fires that do occur are expected to spread slowly and be easily controlled.
Recommendations
Low Fire Danger
Fuels are generally moist and the potential for wildfire spread is minimal. Fires are unlikely to start, and any fires that do occur are expected to spread slowly and be easily controlled.
Message: Practice basic fire safety:
- Never use fireworks, they are illegal in the Cities of Livermore and Pleasanton
- Use caution while using open flame devices such as BBQ’s, Fire Pit, Torch, etc.
Moderate Fire Danger
Fuels are moderately dry and can ignite from common causes. Fires may start easily and spread at moderate rates, particularly in grasses and light fuels. Fires are generally controllable with prompt response.
Message: Use caution with activities that could start a fire.
- Non-Landscaped open space Parks are permitted open
- Use of open flame devices (BBQ’s, Fire Pits) in designated areas only
- Smoking in Wildland Urban Interface Areas should be limited to landscaped well maintained areas only.
- Motor Vehicles should stay on paved roads only; Tow chains shall be secured from dragging
- Fireworks are illegal and should NEVER be used
High Fire Danger
Fuels are dry and fires can start easily from most ignition sources. Fires may spread rapidly, especially in windy conditions or areas with dense vegetation. Fire control in increasingly difficult.
Message: Avoid open flame activities and equipment/devices that may cause sparks:
- Non-Landscaped open space Parks are permitted open
- Use of open flame devices (BBQ’s, Fire Pits) in designated areas only
- No Smoking in Wildland Urban Interface Areas, open space, grass, or other combustible landscape
- Motor Vehicles should stay on paved roads only; Tow chains shall be secured from dragging
- Mechanical fuel fired equipment should be limited to before 10am and after 6pm in grassy or mountainous lands
- Fireworks are illegal and should NEVER be used
Very High Fire Danger
Fuels are very dry and wildfire potential is serious. Fires start easily, spread quickly, flame lengths will be long with high intensity, making control very difficult. Spot fires are likely, especially with wind.
Message: Use extreme caution. Fire restrictions are in effect.
- Non-Landscaped open space parks are permitted open
- Use of open flame devices (BBQ’s, Fire Pits) in designated areas only
- No Smoking in Wildland Urban Interface Areas, open space, grass, or other combustible landscape
- Motor Vehicles shall stay on paved roads only; Tow chains shall be secured from dragging
- Mechanical fuel fired equipment is limited to before 10am and after 6pm in grassy or mountainous lands
- Fireworks are illegal and should NEVER be used
Extreme Fire Danger
Fuels are critically dry and wildfire behavior is erratic and unpredictable. Fires start easily and spread very rapidly, posing a significant threat to life and property. Fire suppression may be extremely difficult. Spot fires are likely, especially with wind and may outpace control efforts.
Message: Avoid all activities that could start a fire. Follow all fire restrictions:
- Non-Landscaped open space parks closed
- No use of Open Flame devices (BBQ’s, Fire Pits)
- No Smoking in Wildland Urban Interface Areas, open space, grass, or other combustible landscape
- Motor Vehicles permitted on paved roads only. Secure tow chains from dragging
- Mechanical fuel fired equipment shall not be used on grass or mountainous lands
- Fireworks are illegal and should NEVER be used
For further guidance for open space areas, go to East Bay Regional Park District’s Fire Danger Restrictions.
About Fire Weather
Fire Weather is issued in 12-24 hour intervals. Level of Fire Danger is based on the mixture of wind, temperature, and humidity. Expected Fire Weather warnings from High to Extreme impose the greatest threat to our community, fire personnel, and public.
A Red Flag Warning is a temporary warning advising that an area is experiencing dangerous combination of temperature, wind, relative humidity, fuel, or drought during a time period. Based on these weather readings, rapid fire spread will most likely occur should a fire start.
Stay informed using the National Weather Service Red Flag Warning map for specific locations under Red Flag Warnings.