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2025 NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461

The 2025 IRPG is now available. Major updates and changes in the 2025 version of the IRPG include:

  • Addition of nighttime fuel estimates for reference fuel moisture.
  • Updated In Your Fire Weather Forecast section with new materials that use clear text to describe the potential for lightning and impacts of mixing height. This coincides with the removal of the Haines Index and Lightning Activity Level (LAL) by the National Weather Service (NWS).
  • Added language to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) section outlining key considerations for UAS operations, considerations prior to requesting UAS, and aerial ignitions involving UAS.
  • The pages on chainsaw operations had the section name updated, and now includes “Indicators of Complexity” and “Chainsaw Operation Standards”.
  • Other changes throughout the IRGP were made to modernize language, update specifications for airtankers and water scoopers, and improve formatting.

Please see full summary of changes: 2025 Summary of Changes.

Ordering

  • All hard copy materials, including the IRPG, are ordered through the Great Basin Cache. Information on the ordering process can be found on the NFES Catalog. An IRPG only order form exists if you are not ordering other materials.

NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI)

  • The NWCG Guia de Respuesta de Incidente de Bolsillo (GRI), PMS 461-ES is available electronically.
  • The 2025 GRI will be available hard copy from the Great Basin Cache in early summer 2025.

Modified / Reviewed:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and Next Generation Position Task Book for Basic Faller Are Now Available

Date: April 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212, and NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-19 are now available.

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212 includes position standards designed to be used in conjunction with the Next Generation Position Task Book (Next Gen PTB). The Next Gen PTB for Basic Faller (FAL3) includes an evaluation guide with suggested rating elements to consider when assessing trainees.

References:

NWCG Standards For Wildland Fire Chainsaw Operations, PMS 212

NWCG Position Task Book for Basic Faller (FAL3), PMS 311-119

NWCG Basic Faller (FAL3)

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions

Date: April 9, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
RMC Member Eric Fransted

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) serves as the position steward for all Safety Officer incident positions and continues to improve position standards, training, and naming conventions. The implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) required changes to position titles. RMC collaborated with the NWCG Incident Position Standards Committee (IPSC) to propose and implement these updates. 

References:

RMC Memo 25-01: Summary of Updates to Safety Officer Positions 

NWCG Position Catalog

Updated, NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination, PMS 412

Date: April 8, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Wildland Fire Investigation Subcommittee

PMS 412 provides guidance for wildland fire investigations. This guide outlines recommended procedures, practices, techniques, and methods to promote a systematic approach. The last update to this publication was in 2016.

References:

NWCG Guide to Wildland Fire Origin and Cause Determination PMS 412

Updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508

Date: March 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Airtanker Base Operations Unit

The updated NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508 standardizes operations and procedures at interagency airtanker bases to ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations in support of interagency goals and objectives.

References:

NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508