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Week of Remembrance

Hazard Tree – Risk Management

 

Consider the severity, probability, and exposure of hazard tree problems continually as you perform duties in forested communities. Remember to look for hazard tree risks at staging areas, parking areas, and camping areas.

Environmental Element:

  • Existing winds and forecast.
  • Night operations or low visibility situations limiting your view of surroundings.
  • Steep slopes.
  • Diseased or bug-kill areas with high densities of dead or dying trees.
  • Number, density, and height of hazard trees.
  • Amount of time the area has been burning – burn down time.
  • Potential for domino effect to surrounding trees.

Hazard Tree Indicators:

  • Trees burning for any period of time.
  • High-risk tree species (rot and shallow roots).
  • Numerous downed trees in the area.
  • Dead, broken, or burning tops and limbs overhead.
  • Accumulation of downed limbs.
  • Fungus or growth of decay species on the tree.
  • Cavities or evidence of woodpecker damage.
  • Forked tops, multiple tops, and/or uneven branch distribution.
  • Absence of needles, bark, or limbs.
  • Leaning or hung-up.  

Hazard Control:

  • Eliminate the hazards with qualified sawyers, blasters/explosives, or heavy equipment.
  • Avoid hazards by designating “No Work Zones” (NWZ) – (flag, sign, and map).
  • Modify suppression tactics or fireline location to avoid extreme/high risk rated area.
  • Post lookouts to help maintain a secure area.
  • Fireproof potential hazard trees to prevent ignition.
  • Initiate road/traffic control and area closure.
  • Keep clear of bucket drops near trees/snags.
  • Establish trigger points for reposition to secure areas in response to high winds.
  • Minimize exposure time in hazard tree areas using efficient felling techniques and limiting numbers of personnel in hazardous areas.

 

Category
Felling Safety
References
Hazard Tree Resources

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for PROC and TIME

Date: July 17, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Procurement Unit Leader (PROC) and Time Unit Leader (TIME).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 update, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Procurement Unit Leader Position Page

NWCG Time Unit Leader Position Page

National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003