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UAS Incursions

 

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, have become more common on wildland fire incidents. Trained UAS operators provide incident support through aerial operations. While UAS have become more common, unauthorized UAS incursions have also become increasingly common. A UAS incursion is defined as a non-participating UAS operating over or near an incident that intrudes into an area with a temporary flight restriction (TFR) or interferes with incident/mission operations.

Unauthorized UAS flights pose a serious risk to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of incident operations. Incident aircraft such as helicopters and fixed-wing can fly at very low altitudes, typically just a couple of hundred feet above the ground, similar to unmanned aircraft. This increases the risk of mid-air collisions or pilot distractions that could result in a serious or fatal accident.

Unauthorized UAS flights could lead incident managers to suspend aircraft operations until the UAS has left the airspace and managers are confident it will not return. This can lead to delays in operations and tactical support, while threatening lives, property, transportation of personnel, and valuable natural and cultural resources.

An additional risk associated with unauthorized UAS operating in the airspace around an incident is the potential for it to lose its communication link with the operator. This could result in the drone falling and potentially causing serious injuries or death to incident personnel working below.

What should you do if you see a non-participating UAS over your incident?

  • Notify the Air Attack Group Supervisor (ATGS) over the incident:
  • Time spotted, Location, Attitude, Direction, Operator, Location
  • If there is no ATGS over the incident:
  • Notify pilots over the incident: Time spotted, Location, Attitude, Direction, Operator, Location
  • Notify dispatch of incursion: Time spotted, Location, Attitude, Direction, Operator, Location
  • Additional contacts that may be needed:
  • Air Operations Branch Director (AOBD), Law Enforcement Officer (LEO),
  • Incident Commander (IC)
  • Unit or Forest Aviation Officer (UAM/FAO), Geographic Area Coordination Center (GACC),
  • Agency UAS Safety Manager

File a SAFECOM

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

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. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
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  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
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  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
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  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
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Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters