RIVERSIDE – (INT) – A new web-based tool has been unveiled that will classify the fire threat potential during the Santa Ana winds.

The Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index has four levels from “Marginal” to “Extreme.”

It will help fire agencies, other first-responders and the public determine the appropriate actions to take based on the likelihood of a catastrophic wildfire fueled by high winds.

“Given the current state of fuel conditions, we have the potential to see devastating fires this fall should significant Santa Ana winds occur,” said Forest Service Meteorologist Tom Rolinski.

The threat index includes four levels of increasingly severe fire potential:
· · “Marginal” (yellow) - Upon ignition, fires may grow rapidly.
· · “Moderate” (orange) - Upon ignition, fires will grow rapidly and will be difficult to control.
· · “High” (red) - Upon ignition, fires will grow very rapidly, will burn intensely, and will be very difficult to control.
· · “Extreme” (purple) - Upon ignition, fires will have explosive growth, will burn very intensely, and will be uncontrollable.

Story Date: September 21, 2014