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2021 WOR: Understanding Group Dynamics

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7

 

Thirtymile Fire – July 10th, After the Shelter Deployment

Watch Learning from the Thirtymile Fire video from 1:19:00 minutes to the end

Remembering those that lost their lives on the Thirtymile Fire. From left to right; top row, Tom Craven and Karen FitzPatrick.; bottom row, Devin Weaver and Jessica Johnson.

Remembering those that lost their lives on the Thirtymile Fire. From left to right; top row, Tom Craven and Karen FitzPatrick.; bottom row, Devin Weaver and Jessica Johnson.

When it appeared safe, and there was communication with air attack, everyone from the road exited their shelters. After 15 minutes, moving to the sandbar they joined the crew member in the river. One of the squad bosses radioed for help, saying they were not in a condition to self-extricate. The Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC) that had already organized for a rescue operation had to make two attempts to access the entrapment site due to heat and fallen snags. Upon arrival, the IHC Superintendent assumed control of the incident until local law enforcement arrived.

The crew member who didn’t have gloves was found in shock with second and third degree burns on his hands. Others had minor burns and smoke inhalation issues.

The four remaining crew members in the rock scree were still unaccounted for. The IHC was unable to access the area where the shelters were deployed due to heat, burning material, and rolling rocks. They attempted to make vocal contact—but received no response.

It was later determined that four firefighters—Tom Craven, Karen FitzPatrick, Jessica Johnson, and Devin Weaver—died during the burnover.

To this point we’ve focused on what happened.  Now, take a moment and learn about who it happened to. Each of them were wildland firefighters doing their job, just like you. You have heard the stories of some of the survivors.  Here is a chance to learn about those who were lost.

Organizational Learning

Following these tragic events, the Thirtymile Accident Prevention Action Plan was created. One of its action items addresses the early development of what we now know as the Leadership Curriculum: The curriculum must specifically address how group dynamics influence situation awareness, communications, group judgments, decision-making, and responsibility for individual personal actions.

Have we succeeded in addressing these topics in our training?

A purple ribbon symbolizing remembrance of those who have passed away. Discussion Questions:

Use events described above and your experience to answer:

  • What are the group dynamics on your crew, team, or group?  Consider conducting this Crew Cohesion Assessment.
  • How do group dynamics influence situation awareness?
  • How do group dynamics influence communications?
  • How do group dynamics influence decision-making?

References:

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Week of Remembrance

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1