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RT-130 (WFSTAR)

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2025 Core Components Module Package

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Historical Modules (Archived)

 

RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) testpage

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of wildland firefighters hiking down a valley to a fire. Black topo map and WFSTAR logo on left.

Module Title Test Page

BLM UAS Program season summary for 2016.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Current Issues, Other Hazards & Safety Issues
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 6:17

Remote Video

Intent 

To provide learners with an understanding of the Ransom Road fire that occurred on June 8th 1981.

Facilitator Preparation

Review the video and module tools. Consider additional activities and discussion questions relevant to the geographic location and your respective agency.

Facilitating the Discussion 

Show the video. Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the activity and discussion questions. Present the scenario below and guide students through the exercise.

Scenario 

If you are not from Florida: Your crew has been prepositioned to Florida. What are the fuel types that they should be aware of? What are some hazards that they may be unfamiliar with? What firefighting techniques can they expect to encounter? What sorts of weather events are common?

If you are from Florida: You are assigned to give an in briefing to an out of region engine being prepositioned in your area. What are the hazards that they should be aware of? What firefighting techniques are most safe and effective in this area? What weather patterns should they be aware of?

Conduct Activity (Optional) 

Divide the class. Give each group the Activity Questions below. Discuss group responses.

Activity Questions

  1. What are some ways we can get stuck?
  2. How do you prepare ahead of time for getting unstuck?
  3. How can we make plans that provide time for getting unstuck?
  4. How prepared are you for treating severely burned coworkers? What measures should be taken to preserve an accident scene?
  5. What factors can lead us from a can-do attitude into a make-do situation? In what ways is firefighting today different than it was in 1981? In what ways is it the same?

Resources

Website: Mental Health Subcommittee Additional Resources

Video/Module: Wildland Fire Mental Health 

Video: Invisible Wounds: Living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (7 minutes)

Additional Video Information

  • The video is also available as a download (Size 4.81GB); with the .srt file for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.

  • Note: For Chrome and Firefox, right click the word download and select Save Link As; for IE, right click and select Save Target As.

USWDS Paragraph Bundles

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

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

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal