Fire preparedness upgraded to highest level

With most of the nation now seeing significant wildland fire activity, the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) has increased its fire preparedness level to a level five – the highest on the scale.

The decision has been made in response to fire activity already occurring, with a high potential for additional large fires to emerge.

At level five, all fire-qualified federal employees become available for wildlife response. National resources are heavily committed and additional measures are taken to support individual areas.

As of Tuesday, 69 large active wildlife fires were being managed acr...