BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Fire activity is expanding across multiple parts of the country, prompting an increase in the national preparedness level to PL 2 on Friday as several geographic areas begin drawing on national resources.
The move to PL 2 reflects a seasonal shift that typically arrives in February and March, when wildfire activity becomes more coordinated at a national level, even if overall demand for resources remains manageable. Several geographic areas are seeing increased fire activity, but the national system remains stable with enough capacity to meet current needs while preparing for what may come next.
Over the past week, 821 fires were reported nationwide, including 47 new large incidents. There are 28 large fires still uncontained. Most activity is centered in the Southern and Rocky Mountain areas, and one incident management team is assigned in the Rocky Mountain Area to support ongoing operations…