A wildfire is an unplanned or person-caused fire that requires suppression action by firefighters and/or air tanker. Based on the 20 year average, there are 118 wildfires burning 22,993 hectares in Newfoundland and Labrador each year. Wildfire suppression efforts are most successful when fires are detected and reported early. Early detection and an aggressive initial attack provide the best opportunity to protect forest resources, property and people and help keep the costs associated with fighting wildfires to a minimum.
Definitions:
Fire Status:
The Fire Status is an indication of the fire's current condition and is categorized as Out of Control (O/C),
Contained (C), or Under Control (U/C)
Out-of-Control (O/C): A wildfire not responding or only responding on a limited basis to suppression action such that the perimeter spread is not being contained.
Being Held: With currently committed resources, sufficient action has been taken to prevent fire spread beyond existing or predetermined boundaries on a percentage of the fire based on prevailing and forecasted conditions.
Under Control (UC): A wildfire having received sufficient suppression action to ensure no further spread of the fire.
Out (O): A wildfire having been extinguished.
Hot Spot:A small area of smouldering or glowing combustion which may be exhibiting smoke, located on or within the wildfire perimeter.
Hectare (ha.): The hectare is the metric unit of area measurement. For example, 1 hectare = 100 metres by 100 metres or 0.01 km².
Estimated Size: The size of a fire is generally an estimate. An accurate measurement is difficult due to the smoke that can accompany a large active fire. It is not until after the fire is extinguished that it can be properly measured.
Full Response Fire: A wildfire which requires immediate, aggressive initial attack and/or sustained suppression action until the fire is declared out.
Modified Response Fire: A wildfire that is managed using a combination of suppression techniques, including direct and indirect attack as well as monitoring, in order to manage a fire so that the damages are minimized and potential benefits from the fire are maximized.
Monitored Response Fire: When the response to the fire intends to minimize the impacts on society, economy and resources, while still working to achieving beneficial ecological, economic or resource management objectives.