A wildfire is considered contained when:

A wildfire is deemed contained when the percentage of the fire that has been extinguished reaches a certain threshold, typically indicated by firefighting authorities. This percentage reflects the portion of the fire that has been successfully controlled and secured, reducing the risk of it spreading further. Containment means that the blaze is confined to a specific area and is no longer advancing.

The process of containment is crucial in managing wildfires, as it allows firefighters to focus efforts on securing control lines and eliminating hotspots to prevent re-ignition. This metric provides clear, measurable progress, contrasting with other factors like evacuation status, smoke levels, or the presence of emergency personnel, which do not directly reflect the active control of the fire itself.