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Active Shooter – How to Respond

 

Run, Hide, Fight – Active Shooter Protocols

Good practices for coping with an active shooter situation:

  1. Be aware of your surroundings.
  2. Take note of the two nearest exits in any facility you visit.
  3. If you are in an office, stay in the office and secure the door.
  4. If you are in a hallway, get into a room and secure the door.
  5. As a last resort, attempt to take the active shooter down. When the shooter is at close range and you cannot flee, your chance of survival is much greater if you try to incapacitate the individual.
  6. Behaviors to look for in an active shooter (review Department of Homeland Security [DHS] link below in references).

**Call 911 only when it is safe to do so**

How to respond when law enforcement arrives:

  1. Remain calm and follow officers’ instructions.
  2. Put down any items in your hands (i.e., bags, jackets).
  3. Immediately raise hands and spread fingers.
  4. Keep hands visible at all times.
  5. Avoid making quick movements toward officers such as holding onto them for safety.
  6. Avoid pointing, screaming, and/or yelling.
  7. Do not stop to ask officers for help or direction when evacuating, just proceed in the direction from which officers are entering the premises.

Training your staff for an active shooter situation:

  1. Create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
    1. Implement training exercises based off the EAP.
  2. Preparedness and Prevention.
    1. DHS Active Shooter Situation – Options to Consider video –  https://youtu.be/yz5P2wy4X4o

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are some considerations to help you be prepared to react appropriately in an active shooter situation on the fireline? At the Incident Command Post (ICP)?
  2. Do you know the location of the closest Law Enforcement?
  3. What about at ICP or Helibase?
    1. Does your Incident Management Team or module have an EAP that addresses the potential active shooter scenario?
    2. If an active shooter situation occurs at ICP, do you have the Security Manager’s number, so they can immediately send the closest Law Enforcement Officer, or do you call Communications on the radio?
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Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources