A fire danger rating system should supply an objective answer to the question: "What is the probability of a fire starting, spreading and doing damage today?"
It enables fire managers to properly assess the levels of preparedness and the suppression resources needed to keep fire losses to a minimum.
A fire danger rating system measures the variable elements which cause day to day changes in fire risk, and interprets the information gained. The information is used to:
* define the fire season
* determine appropriate fire prevention measures
* assess the likelihood of fire occurring
* determine fire suppression response and resources
* inform the public
* make decisions to close areas at high risk
* issue or cancel burn permits
* plan and conduct controlled burns.