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Week of Remembrance

Noise Exposure Safety

 

Working in noisy environments presents daily safety challenges to wildland firefighters. Noise exposure research clearly indicates that accidents and injuries increase in noisy work environments. Additionally, did you know that hearing loss is permanent? The good news is it’s also preventable.

Those most at risk of excessive noise exposure include:

  • Sawyers/swampers
  • Heavy equipment operators
  • Helitack/helibase/airtanker base personnel 
  • Engine and pump operators
  • Masticator/chipper workers
  • Operators of weed whackers/leaf blowers/air compressors
  • Retardant mixing personnel

Noise exposure will cause:

  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Distraction
  • Miscommunication
  • Inability to hear warnings
  • Increased errors

Mitigation Techniques

  • When possible, stay as far away from the noise source as possible.
  • Limit the amount of time you are exposed to the noise.
  • Give your ears a break from the noise when possible; the quiet break will help conserve your hearing.
  • Always wear hearing protection making certain that:
    • Your hearing protection has a Noise Reduction Ratio (NRR) of at least 20 dBA (level of protection in decibels) which is listed on the package.
    • You know how to insert/use/maintain them.
    • Your ear plugs are clean.​
      • NOTE: dirty ear plugs are better than no ear plugs but grab some extras because they work better when changed often.
    • When not in use, keep your ear plugs somewhere safe and clear (preferably not your Nomex buttonhole).
6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively. On the left side of a split screen, four firefighters stand near a wildland fire, listening to a radio in the hands of one. On the right side of the screen, a supervisory firefighter talks into a handheld radio.

6. Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.

Remaining alert, keeping calm, thinking clearly, and acting decisively are important components of decision-making on wildland fire incidents. This Standard Firefighting Order illustrates a supervisor providing direction and establishing leader's intent to help a crew working on a growing fire.

Read about all 10 Standard Firefighting Orders.

Discussion Questions

  • How can exposure to excessive noise reduce the firefighter’s ability to maintain good situational awareness and fulfill the 10 Standard Fire Orders?
    • Be alert. Keep calm. Think clearly. Act decisively.
    • Give clear instructions and be sure they are understood.
    • Fight fire aggressively, having provided for safety first.
  • Are you wearing hearing protection when you work in all noisy environments?
  • What are some solutions for a flight helmet that lets noise in because the ear cup doesn’t fit correctly?
  • When working with chainsaws, mowers, and weed whackers, etc., at home, how do you protect your hearing?

Action:

  1. Look at your ear plugs. If they’re dirty, get a new pair and a spare.
  2. Find out if your unit has a hearing conservation program and join it.
  3. Consider turning down your music just a little bit, especially when you listen with earbuds.

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
Wildland Firefighter Hearing Conservation: Noise Exposure - Interim Report
Noise exposure among federal wildland firefighters Journal of the Acoustical So…
Noise exposure among federal wildland firefighters Journal of the Acoustical So…
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Noise and Heari…
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Occupational Noise Exposur…

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552