PL-5 Background Paper and Talking Points August 19, 2013 Background The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) increased the national the National Interagency Preparedness Level (PL) to “5” on 8/20. NMAC is located at Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. The raised level reflects high fire activity, a major commitment of fire resources, and the probability that severe conditions will continue for at least a few days. NMAC has been delegated the authority to set national Preparedness Levels. NMAC consists of top fire managers from five federal agencies (BIA, BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service and National Park Service), the National Association of State Foresters, and the U.S. Fire Administration. PLs range from one (minimal fire activity) to five (high fire activity). It is not unusual for the national PL to reach five. Since 1990, it has occurred ten times. The last time PL-5 was reached was 2008. The primary reasons behind raising the PL at this time are: A high level of current fire activity in Idaho, Oregon and Utah; plus emerging large fires in California and Montana. A weather forecast that calls for the possibility of widespread lightning, and hot and dry weather over an extended period. Some shortages of national resources. According to the Interagency for PL-5 “National Mobilization Guide” characteristics include: Wildland fire has the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. Eighty percent of Type I and Type II initial attack crews are committed, as well as the majority of other national resources. Significant fire potential is likely to remain high in at least three of the eleven Geographic Areas with no indication of improvement in the next seven days. PL-5 indicates that further military may be sought. It may also initiate discussions with other, cooperating nations for wildfire assistance. The earliest the national PL was set at 5 was June 21, 2002. The latest was August 20, 2002, and again this year. The most days at PL-5 was 63 days, also in 2002. Talking Points Human life remains the top consideration in all fire management decisions. No structure, or natural or cultural resource is worth the loss of life. The spring forecasts for a long and challenging fire season are being fulfilled. Although the total number of fires and acres burned to this date are lower than the average, the western fire season is escalating.
PL-5 Background Paper and Talking Points August 19, 2013 Background The National Multi-Agency Coordinating Group (NMAC) increased the national Preparedness Level (PL) to “5” on 8/20. NMAC is located at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho. The raised level reflects high fire activity, a major commitment of fire resources, and the probability that severe conditions will continue for at least a few days. NMAC has been delegated the authority to set national Preparedness Levels. NMAC consists of top fire managers from five federal agencies (BIA, BLM, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service and National Park Service), the National Association of State Foresters, and the U.S. Fire Administration. PLs range from one (minimal fire activity) to five (high fire activity). It is not unusual for the national PL to reach five. Since 1990, it has occurred ten times. The last time PL-5 was reached was 2008. The primary reasons behind raising the PL at this time are: A high level of current fire activity in Idaho, Oregon and Utah; plus emerging large fires in California and Montana. A weather forecast that calls for the possibility of widespread lightning, and hot and dry weather over an extended period. Some shortages of national resources. According to the “National Interagency Mobilization Guide” characteristics for PL-5 include: Wildland fire has the potential to exhaust all agency fire resources. Eighty percent of Type I and Type II initial attack crews are committed, as well as the majority of other national resources. Significant fire potential is likely to remain high in at least three of the eleven Geographic Areas with no indication of improvement in the next seven days. PL-5 indicates that further military may be sought. It may also initiate discussions with other, cooperating nations for wildfire assistance. The earliest the national PL was set at 5 was June 21, 2002. The latest was August 20, 2002, and again this year. The most days at PL-5 was 63 days, also in 2002. Talking Points Human life remains the top consideration in all fire management decisions. No structure, or natural or cultural resource is worth the loss of life. The spring forecasts for a long and challenging fire season are being fulfilled. Although the total number of fires and acres burned to this date are lower than the average, the western fire season is escalating.
PL-5_TPs.docx