SECTION 4: RISK ASSESSMENT
Figure 4.28 – U.S. Wildland Fire Outlook
Source: National Weather Service
Weather conditions favorable to wildfire include drought, which increases flammability of surface fuels, and winds, which aid a wildfire‘s progress. The combination of wind, temperature, and humidity affects how fast wildland fires can spread. Rapid response can contain wildfires and limit their threat to property. Wake County experiences a variety of wildfire conditions found in the Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which is described in Table 4.122. Table 4.122 – Keetch-Byram Drought Index Fire Danger Rating System KBDI Description
Soil and fuel moisture are high. Most fuels will not readily ignite or burn. However, with sufficient sunlight and wind, cured grasses and some light surface fuels will burn in sports and patches. Fires more readily burn and will carry across an area with no gaps. Heavier fuels will still not readily ignite and burn. Also, expect smoldering and the resulting smoke to carry into and possibly through the night. Fire intensity begins to significantly increase. Fires will readily burn in all directions exposing mineral soils in some locations. Larger fuels may burn or smolder for several days creating possible smoke and control problems. Fires will burn to mineral soil. Stumps will burn to the end of underground roots and spotting will be a major problem. Fires will burn through the night and heavier fuels will actively burn and contribute to fire intensity.
0-200
200-400
400-600
600-800
Wake County, NC Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
WSP June 2024 Page 230
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