How To Check The Fire Danger Rating

Before you head out on your Bear Habitat hike, your Scout needs to check the fire danger rating. It only takes a minute, but it’s a great way to help them think about outdoor safety and how conditions can affect the environment. This post will show you how to find your local fire rating and make it part of your adventure planning for Requirement 6.

Requirement 6: “Be Careful With Fire.” Determine the fire danger rating along your path.

What Is The Fire Danger Rating?

The Fire Danger Rating is a system that tells you how likely a wildfire is to start and spread in your region on any given day. It’s based on weather, temperature, humidity, and wind conditions.

There are 5 color-coded levels:
Green – Low (safe conditions)
Blue – Moderate (fires are possible)
Yellow – High (fires can start easily)
Orange – Very High (fires can start and spread quickly)
Red – Extreme (very dangerous – avoid open flames)

This is the kind of info responsible hikers and campers always check before heading outside — and now your Scout can too! We made a free Fire Danger Rating System printable for you to share with your scouts.

How To Check The Fire Rating In Your Area:

Here are 3 quick ways to find your local fire danger level:

1. Visit the U.S. Forest Service’s Fire Danger Map
Go to the National Fire Danger Rating Page and check your state.

2. Look for Local Trailhead or Park Signs
If you’re hiking in a public park, forest, or scout camp, many trailheads will have a color-coded fire danger sign posted at the entrance. Take a photo or ask your Scout to find it when you arrive.

3. Check your State’s Forestry or Wildfire Agency Website
Some states like California, Arizona, and Colorado have easy to read fire weather maps on their websites. Just search your state and fire danger rating today.

Scout Friendly Ways To Make This Stick:

  • Ask Your Scout, “What does today’s fire level mean for how we act on the trail?”
  • Talk through safe behavior if fire danger risk is high. No matches, no open flames, be extra cautious with gear or trash.
  • Let your scout draw the fire rating sign with markers or crayons. It’s a great memory tool.

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