All NWCG Announcements

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: Joe Schindel 

The 2023 Fire Year in Review module and 2024 Core Component Module Packages for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) are now available on the NWCG website. The 2024 Core Component Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

WFSTAR 2023 Fire Year in Review module

WFSTAR 2024 Core Component Module Packages

Date: March 6, 2024
Contact: NWCG

The NWCG Executive Board is privileged to share with you the 2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter. As we look into the future and navigate an incredibly complex and dynamic environment, we must remain focused on our mission while actively engaging in national conversations regarding numerous wildland fire initiatives. In 2024, we prioritize building upon our successes and committing to continuous improvement. Key priorities and considerations for this year include: 

• Determining Core Workload
• Ensuring Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Success
• Improving Efficiencies
• Firefighter Health and Wellness
• Engagement in National Conversations

Together we will continue to make significant strides in the challenging and vital work that lies ahead. 

References:

2024 NWCG Executive Board Annual Letter

Date: February 22, 2024
Contact: NWCG

NWCG welcomes the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) as an associate member.

“As wildfires become larger and more frequent, NASA is working to apply our scientific and technological knowledge toward this national challenge, and integral to our approach is forging collaborative partnerships,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. 

References:

NASA News Release

NWCG

Date: February 14, 2024
Contact: NWCG 

NWCG is seeking subject matter experts to be part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. As part of IPTM subject matter experts will help develop an integrated performance-based training system, ensure incident-specific training is necessary and relevant, and build position training and qualifications from Incident Position Standards.

Sign up to be part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort!

References:

Incident Performance and Training Modernization

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

Video: Be Part of IPTM

Date: February 13, 2024
Contact: Randy Chindarak 

Please be advised that construction at the Great Basin Cache will impact the delivery of NWCG publications and training products after February 21st. If you have a need for hard copy publications or training materials, please put your order in ASAP and those orders will be sent out within the next week. This impact is anticipated to last two weeks.

Last date to order publications prior to demolition is February 21, 2024.

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog - Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2

Date: December 7, 2023
Contact: Risk Management Committee (RMC) 

An updated NWCG Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide is now available. This publication is intended to aid WCT Administrators in preparing and performing a WCT. 

The WCT Administrator will be able to complete proper paperwork and administer respective job-related field tests to determine a worker's capacity to meet NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

NWCG Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide, PMS 307

Date: December 6, 2023
Contact: Interagency Aerial Supervision Subcommittee (IASS) 

The December 2023 revision of the NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505, is now available for download. No changes have been made to the associated forms and documents.

References:

NWCG Standards for Aerial Supervision, PMS 505

Date: October 23, 2023
Contact: NWCG Training 

In November 2023, the training catalog will be migrated from the NWCG website to the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP) as part of a streamlining and process improvement effort. This will first occur for all training that is required for positions, followed by training that has been recommended for positions.

References:

NWCG Training Courses

Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP)

Date: September 8, 2023
Contact: Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) 

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, the NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee has created daily messages to share resources and mental health information to prevent suicide in our community.

We encourage you to use these materials to start conversations with coworkers about maintaining mental health and wellness. Each short piece takes only a few minutes to review, but it could provide information that makes a difference for you or someone else. Please share these widely.

References:

MHSC Suicide Prevention Week 

Opening Letter

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

Date: October 25, 2023
Contact: Wildland fire Leadership Development Program

The NWCG Wildland Fire Staff Ride Guide, PMS 470, is now available. This publication establishes the standards for developing and carrying out staff rides, and incorporates best practices learned through the development of multiple staff rides.

Staff rides are excellent learning events, and the intent of this publication is to provide information that will expand the use of staff rides within the wildland fire service.

References:

NWCG Wildland Fire Staff Ride Guide, PMS 470