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Contagious Diseases

Living with others in a camp environment we are at significant risk of spreading contagious diseases. In fact, many of the significant impacts of modern medicine include recognizing how viral and bacterial organisms spread from human to human and limiting these pathways. We take it for granted today, but not long ago the concept of sewer systems, clean water and hand washing were not understood or utilized. As we learned from COVID19, good preventative measures, early detection, and isolation are key to decreasing the spread of any contagious disease.

Common contagious diseases include influenza (flu), viral upper respiratory tract infections, COVID19, strep throat and gastrointestinal illnesses.

Spread can be decreased by these preventative measures:

  • Good hand washing and hygiene
  • Eating, sleeping, and living in smaller groups
  • Good rest, nutrition, and hydration
  • Isolating yourself if you become ill early on and get medically evaluated
  • Keeping food and water sources away from waste and sewer systems

If you or your crewmembers start to notice signs and symptoms of a contagious disease, make sure to advise your supervisor and take steps to isolate. Consider isolating the entire crew in the work environment as much as possible, even when others are still feeling well. Utilize spike camps and remote briefings when available.

If a medical unit is available, consider an initial evaluation. This will help track illness throughout the camp. This is especially important for gastrointestinal illnesses because use of common food, toilet and water areas can easily infect the entire camp quickly and must be identified early.

We all protect each other – if you are feeling ill, it is better to seek an evaluation and isolate until improved than risk infecting your crew and putting other individuals and the mission or even incident at risk.

Discussion Questions:

  • What steps does your crew take when someone develops cold-like symptoms?
  • How can your crew isolate from a larger camp if several members are sick and still have the healthy members continue to work?
  • Does your crew consider contagious disease a workplace hazard? Does the crew culture around illness need to change?

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

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