National Wildfire Coordinating Group

National Interagency Fire Center
3833 S. Development Avenue
Boise, ID 83705

The U.S. Forest Service (FS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) in coordination with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) and Incident Emergency Medical Task Group (IEMTG) are working together to update The Avian and Pandemic Influenza Response and Preparedness Plan for the Federal Wildland Fire Agencies. In the interim, the NWCG is distributing this plan as guidance to Incident Management Teams (IMT) for dealing with the current influenza situation.

Home units should not mobilize personnel who have flu symptoms. IMTs should be trained and practiced in the correct use of PPE (personal protective equipment) and know what measures are necessary if an influenza outbreak occurs.

This plan provides information and guidance to help fire personnel take appropriate actions to mitigate their risk of influenza exposure, and general health and safety measures for fire camps as well as recommendations for Medical Unit Leaders and Medical First Responders.

Timely response and the use of accepted practices, including using the appropriate PPE and assessing all firefighting resources prior to mobilization, will help reduce the number of cases and could keep incident personnel safe and healthy. These interim guidelines can also be found on the following website: http://www.nwcg.gov/influenza-guidelines/index.html

Attachment: Interim Influenza Guidelines for Wildland Fire Responses

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