Fire Danger Forecast
Understanding the fire danger forecast
This map shows the Fire Weather Index (FWI) — the rating system fire agencies across Canada and the United States use to gauge how easily a wildfire could start and spread on a given day. The forecast is produced by ECMWF and published through the Copernicus Emergency Management Service / Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS), updated daily. The FWI combines temperature, humidity, wind and recent rainfall; it doesn't predict where a fire will ignite — it tells you how dangerous conditions would be if one did. The classes: Low (under 5) · Moderate (5–11) · High (11–21) · Very High (21–38) · Extreme (over 38). Search any address, use the crosshair, or right-click the map for the rating at that exact spot.
What fire danger means for your roof
When a wildfire threatens a neighborhood, most homes are not lost to the flame front — they're lost to wind-blown embers that travel a mile or more ahead of the fire and land on the most exposed surface of the home: the roof. That's why roofing material is the single most important factor in wildfire home-hardening, and why codes in wildfire-prone regions call for a Class A fire-rated roof covering — the highest classification available. Interlock® aluminum roofing is non-combustible, carries ICC-ES ESR-1790 code recognition, and is available with a Class A fire classification — embers that land on it have nothing to ignite. If your area regularly shows High to Extreme on this map, read our guide to the best roof for wildfire zones, learn more at Interlock Fire-Resistant Metal Roofing, or get a free quote for your home.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the fire-danger data come from?
The map shows the ECMWF Fire Weather Index (FWI) from the Copernicus Emergency Management Service / Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) — the same global fire-danger model used by services like windy.com — updated daily and recoloured into the standard Low, Moderate, High, Very High and Extreme fire-danger classes. Right-click anywhere or search an address for the current rating at that spot.
What is the Fire Weather Index?
The Fire Weather Index (FWI) rates how easily a wildfire can start and spread based on temperature, humidity, wind and recent rainfall. Higher values mean drier, more dangerous conditions. Classes: Low (under 5), Moderate (5–11), High (11–21), Very High (21–38) and Extreme (over 38).
How do I check the fire danger at my address?
Search any address or postcode, or right-click anywhere on the map, to see the current fire-danger rating and Fire Weather Index for that exact location.
How do most homes ignite during a wildfire?
Post-fire investigations consistently find that wind-blown embers — not the flame front — ignite most homes. Embers can travel a mile or more ahead of a fire and land on the roof, the largest and most exposed surface of the home, and in gutters and vents. That is why a non-combustible roof covering and clear gutters are the foundation of wildfire home-hardening.
What is a Class A fire-rated roof?
Class A is the highest fire-resistance classification for roof coverings under ASTM E108 / UL 790 testing, indicating the assembly resists severe fire exposure — including burning embers placed directly on the surface. Interlock aluminum roofing systems are non-combustible, carry ICC-ES ESR-1790 code recognition, and are available with a Class A fire classification.
Does a fire-resistant roof help?
Yes. In high and extreme fire danger, wind-blown embers are a leading cause of home ignition. A Class A fire-rated metal roof, combined with a cleared, ember-resistant zone around the home, significantly reduces the risk of ignition from embers and radiant heat.
Which regions should watch fire danger most closely?
Any region with a dry season: California, the Pacific Northwest and the British Columbia interior, Texas hill country, and the boreal regions of Alberta and Ontario regularly reach High to Extreme ratings. If your area often shows High or above on this map, it is worth factoring fire resistance into your next roof.
Is this a substitute for official fire warnings?
No. It is a model forecast for general awareness, not a substitute for official warnings. Always follow your local fire authority, fire bans and evacuation orders.