Article 4: ECUFPA: Fire Danger Index (FDI) rating system
During fire season one will often here the terminology “FDI” or in other words the Fire Danger Index. This rating system, assists FPA’s and informs landowners of the potential dangers associated with the lighting of fires for controlled burns, fire breaks burning etc and is summarized as follows;
| Fire Alert Stage | BLUE | GREEN | YELLOW | ORANGE | RED |
| Fire Danger Index | 0 – 20 | 21 – 45 | 45 – 60 | 61 – 75 | 76 – 100 |
| Fire Behaviour | SAFE | MODERATE | DANGEROUS | VERY DANGEROUS | EXTREMELY DANGEROUS |
| Flame Lengths (m) | 0 – 1 | 1 – 1.2 | 1.2 – 1.8 | 1.8 – 2.4 | 2.4 + |
| Fire Control Guide Contact LRFA or Fire Hawk to attain the latest information regarding fire danger rating application | Low fire hazard Controlled burning operations can normally be executed with a reasonable degree of safety | Although controlled burning operations cab be done without creating a fire hazrd, care must be taken when burning on exposed, dry slopes. Keep a constant watch for unexpected wind speed and direction changes | Controlled burning is not recommended when the FDI exceeds 45. Aircraft should be called in at the early stages of a fire | NO CONTROLLED BURNING OF ANY NATURE should take place. Careful note should be taken of any sign of smoke anywhere – especially on the up-wind side of any plantation. Any fire that occurs should be attacked with the maximum force at hand, including all available aircraft at the time | ABSOLUTELY NO BURNING – All personnel and equipment should be removed from field. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called without delay. |
When wanting to burn remember to contact the local FPA in your area.