U.S. fire leaders have raised the Preparedness Level to 2 today. At 7:30 this morning they made the increase because of significant wildland fire activity across the U.S. They say there’s potential for additional large wildland fires to emerge. Some areas are requiring national support already.
The Level 2 designation means they’re ready with national support, but they haven’t mobilized units to key areas across the country yet.
On average, we’re a few weeks early for this level. Normally, the U.S. doesn’t hit level 2 until June. The last four years in a row we have been level 2 in May though. Back in 2000, the U.S. hit level three on May 18th.
