What weather condition indicates heightened risk during fire operations?

The indication of heightened risk during fire operations is related to weather becoming hotter and drier. Hot and dry conditions can significantly increase the likelihood of ignition and the rapid spread of fire. High temperatures can cause vegetation to dry out, making it more flammable. Additionally, when humidity levels are low, the moisture content in fuels such as grass, shrubs, and trees decreases, further enhancing the fire's ability to ignite and spread. This scenario leads to more aggressive and unpredictable fire behavior, posing serious challenges to fire control efforts and safety.

In contrast, increased humidity can help to moderate fire activity by adding moisture to fuels, while dropping temperatures may slow down the combustion process. Calm wind conditions, while they may seem advantageous, can also be deceptive; although they prevent rapid fire spread, they can lead to smoke accumulation, reduced visibility, and can create hotspots that may ignite under different conditions. Therefore, recognizing hot and dry weather as a critical factor in fire risk management is essential.