Fire Status Guide
Being Held
Suppression action has been successful — the fire is not expected to spread beyond existing boundaries.
What does "Being Held" mean?
A fire classified as Being Held has had its forward progression stopped through suppression efforts. Control lines have been established around sufficient portions of the perimeter to prevent further spread under current and expected conditions. However, the fire is not yet fully extinguished — hot spots and smoldering may persist within the perimeter.
Key Characteristics
🛡️ Containment Lines Established
Fireguards, bulldozer lines, or natural barriers are in place around the fire perimeter. Crews are monitoring and reinforcing these lines.
🔄 Active Monitoring
The fire is still actively burning within its perimeter. Firefighters remain on-scene to prevent breakouts, especially during wind events.
⚡ Risk of Flare-Up
Changing weather conditions (high winds, low humidity) could cause the fire to escape containment. Status may revert to "Out of Control" if conditions deteriorate.
🏘️ Reduced Threat
The immediate threat to communities is reduced but not eliminated. Evacuation alerts may remain in effect as a precaution.
What should you do?
- Stay informed — conditions can change rapidly with wind shifts.
- Do not return to evacuated areas until authorities give the all-clear.
- Continue monitoring air quality; smoke can persist for days after containment.
- Keep emergency supplies readily accessible.
What Being Held Looks Like on the Map
The perimeter icon turns amber; the fire detail panel shows containment percentage and the date the fire was declared Being Held.
Containment percentage tells you how much of the perimeter has control lines — but a Being Held fire can still flare up inside its lines during wind events. Air quality may remain poor for days as smoke drains from smoldering interior fuels. Check Weather for current wind direction and the Fire Details page (if the fire is in the active map) for hourly status updates.