What indicates a Major Fire in firefighting terms?

In firefighting terminology, a Major Fire typically refers to a scenario that demands extensive resources due to its size, complexity, and potential for rapid spread. When containment occurs during the second burning period or later, it signifies that the fire has reached a level of intensity or scale that exceeds the immediate capabilities of the initial response team.

This classification highlights the challenges faced by firefighters in managing large-scale incidents effectively. These fires often require comprehensive strategies, additional personnel, specialized equipment, and potentially the involvement of multiple agencies to bring them under control. Furthermore, the timing of containment is crucial; if it occurs outside the initial burn period, it indicates that the situation is more severe and requires significant efforts beyond normal initial attack measures to ensure safety and effectiveness in suppression.