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Valley Fever

 

United States map illustrating estimated areas with valley fever in the U.S.

Estimated Areas with Valley Fever in the United States (Centers for Disease Control).

Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is an illness caused by fungal spores found in the soil in the southwestern United States and south-central Washington. Valley fever is contracted by breathing in spores from soil or airborne dust particles. Valley fever is typically not contagious (cannot spread person-to-person).

Many people exposed to Valley fever never have symptoms. Others may develop symptoms one to three weeks following exposure to contaminated soil or dust.

Symptoms include:

  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash on upper body or legs
  • Headache
  • Night sweats

Symptoms usually last for a few weeks to a few months, while severe cases may extend beyond this. Individuals who develop symptoms consistent with Valley fever and seek medical care may be asked by their healthcare providers to complete a medical and travel history, to provide information about their symptoms, and to undergo physical examinations and laboratory tests to accurately diagnose Valley fever. In some cases, Valley fever can cause severe illness. This is more common in individuals with certain risk factors. (Source: CDC – Valley Fever).

Wildland fire tasks associated with increased risk for exposure:

  • Being in close proximity to helicopter operations due to rotor wash.
  • Digging or prepping fireline, mopping up (suppression efforts), hiking or traveling in areas with loose soil (dozer line, handline).
  • Working around and operating heavy equipment.
  • Working in camps with high traffic and minimal dust control

Discussion Questions:

  1. How can you minimize your exposure to soil and dust?
    1. Consider dust control mop-up kits and other water-handling tools to reduce dust and soil from becoming airborne.
    2. Mop up to secure your area. Evaluate your section and determine what is necessary and what is unnecessary exposure to secure the fireline.
  2. If you suspect Valley fever and seek medical care, what information would you share with the provider?
Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal