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Stress First Aid

Stress First Aid in Wildland Fire

Wildland firefighters are often exposed to intense stressors at work and experience many personal life stressors. Stress First Aid (SFA) was originally designed to support military personnel but has been tailored to support additional occupations, including wildland firefighters. SFA can help you recognize how an abnormal amount of stress can show up differently in individuals and learn tools to help navigate back to your true selves.

Stress responses fall along a spectrum of severity, this is shown in the Stress Continuum Model (2023) below. The continuum was developed to assess your own and others' stress responses. A simplified color scheme can allow people to talk about their levels of stress in an objective format without long explanations or details – crucial in an operating environment. 

Stress Continuum Model (2023) shows definition and features for: ready, reacting, injured, and ill.

People move along the continuum in either direction and the shifts can occur multiple times a day. You can learn tools for helping yourself and others by learning about Stress First Aid.

Inviting a fellow employee who is a skilled Stress First Aid Trainer can help open conversations within your workplace to help you and others better navigate during stressful times. 

Discussion Questions:

  • What signs do you show when you are experiencing stress?
  • When stressed, how do you try to manage independently? How do you like to receive help?
  • How do internal and external stigmas influence how you manage or seek help with stressors in your life?
  • How does your team continue to manage stressors and promote resiliency during the season?
     

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

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. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
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.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center