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Communicating with Aviation Resources

Communicating with Aviation Resources

The Aviation Training Delivery Team and National Training Delivery Team have developed this short video to promote aviation safety:

You can play the embedded video above or scan the QR code below to watch it. 

Lineart of helicopter flying over mountain to drop water on smoke, while a man in hardhat reviews notepad. Communicating with aviation resources.
QR code for communicating with aviation.

Discussion Questions:

  • Describe some examples of safety concerns you would want to point out to a pilot when they are arriving on scene of an incident or a new division.
  • What considerations should be made regarding communication when an aircraft is approaching an incident?
  • How do we communicate priorities to pilots when there isn't an Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) or Helicopter Coordinator (HLCO) on scene yet?
  • How do we communicate and verify that “the line is clear” prior to an incoming drop or bucket? Who is responsible for communicating with the aerial resources to notify whether the drop zone is clear?
  • Who is responsible for communicating with ground resources to notify them of incoming aircraft and intended mission?
  • Discuss any past experiences where there was miscommunication with aviation assets.
    • What did it impact?
    • How could that miscommunication have been improved?
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6MFS Suggestion Form


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NWCG Latest Announcements

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

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

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

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2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

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Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

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2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

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RMC Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNetX Launch

Date:  June 25, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) is pleased to announce the launch of SafeNetX, the modernized safety reporting system now available to the wildland fire community. Effective June 15, 2026, SafeNetX enables reporting of unsafe, unhealthy, near-miss, and high-risk operations across wildland fire, all-hazard incidents, training, and related work environments.

SafeNetX is the result of a multi-agency modernization effort led by RMC, which began evaluating improvements to the legacy SAFENET system in 2021. To learn more, read the full RMC memorandum in the links provided.

References:

SafeNetX

RMC Safety Memorandum 26-02: SAFENET Modernization and SafeNet X Launch

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee