Fire Status Guide
Under Control
The fire is fully contained and no further spread is expected.
What does "Under Control" mean?
A fire classified as Under Control has been fully contained. Control lines surround the entire perimeter, and the fire is not expected to spread beyond these boundaries under any foreseeable weather conditions. Mop-up operations (extinguishing remaining hot spots) are underway or complete.
Key Characteristics
✅ Full Perimeter Control
The entire fire boundary has been secured with control lines. No active flame fronts remain along the perimeter edge.
🧹 Mop-Up Operations
Crews systematically extinguish smoldering stumps, roots, and hot spots within the fire boundary to prevent re-ignition.
📉 Decreasing Risk
The threat to nearby communities is minimal. Air quality may still be affected by residual smoke from mop-up operations.
🔄 Rehabilitation
Environmental rehabilitation may begin — restoring fireguards, reseeding exposed soil, and managing post-fire erosion.
What should you do?
- Follow authorities' guidance on returning to evacuated areas safely.
- Be cautious of hazards in burned areas (falling trees, unstable ground).
- Monitor air quality — smoke can linger even after a fire is controlled.
- Report any observed smoke or flare-ups to local fire authorities.
Why "Under Control" Still Warrants Caution
A fire surrounded by a secure perimeter can still burn interior fuels for weeks — the smoke you see from a distance may be entirely from a fire declared Under Control.
Until the fire is fully Out, interior fuels continue to consume and smoke continues to drift. Air quality advisories can remain in effect for days after a fire is contained. If you live downwind of an Under Control fire, keep windows closed during poor-ventilation mornings. Weather conditions affect smoke dispersal more than you might expect.