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Heat Stress

During activity, the body releases more than 70 percent of the energy used by muscles as heat.  As a result, heat loss is crucial to prevent an excessive rise in body temperature during firefighting activities. If heat exchange between the body and the environment is impaired, such as in hot or humid environments, firefighter performance can be substantially impaired.

A heat-related illness (HRI) is a potentially fatal disorder caused by elevated body temperatures from internal heat produced by activity or external environmental heat added to the body that cannot be removed to maintain normal body temperature.

Symptoms of an HRI may be difficult to recognize and may occur in no particular order. They may include:

  • Muscle cramps and weakness.
  • Dizziness, headache, and irritability.
  • Rapid, weak pulse.
  • Vomiting.
  • Profuse sweating with cool, clammy skin leading to hot, dry skin.
  • Loss of consciousness.

If you suspect a heat illness, stop work and begin treatments to cool down the body, and consider further procedures.

Considerations for mitigation during firefighting activity:

  • Ability to handle heat is different between individuals and varies on a daily basis.
  • Performing physical tasks, such as hiking, or or digging fireline, is our largest producer of body heat.
  • Hiking typically raises your body temperature 1 to 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • At elevated body temperatures, the risk of HRI is higher.
  • Maintain low skin temperature when possible, as it allows heat transfer from the body.
  • Pack weights exceeding 25 percent of body weight add to the body’s demands during activity.
  • Recovery of high body temperature requires:
    • Reduction of work output.
    • Removal from sources of heat.
    • Proper nutrition and hydration strategies.

Note: Recovery is not just a shift-to-shift concept. It is also task-to-task and even a minute-to-minute process.

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

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Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three 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.

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References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

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Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

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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)

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2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
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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
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References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee