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Norovirus

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Norovirus causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea and makes one feel extremely ill. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through a crew or fire camp by exposure to stool and vomit of sick people. Food, drink, and objects can be contaminated even if you don’t see anything on them. Sick individuals are contagious for three days after recovery, possibly longer.

Symptoms of Norovirus infection usually last about 2–3 days and include:

  • Diarrhea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Stomach pain.
  • Dehydration due to excessive vomiting and diarrhea.

Treatment:

  • There is no drug for treating Norovirus and antibiotics don’t help.
  • Drink plenty of fluids with electrolytes.
  • In some cases, fluid may need to be given intravenously.

If you have symptoms, take these steps to prevent spread:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet.
    • If soap and water aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 62% ethanol.
  • Do not prepare food for others while you are sick and for three days after you recover.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces with a bleach-based cleaning solution immediately after they have been contaminated by vomit or diarrhea.
  • Wash soiled laundry thoroughly.
    • Wear disposable gloves if possible and wash your hands after handling.
    • Immediately remove items that may be contaminated, place them in a plastic bag, machine wash with detergent on the longest cycle, and machine dry.
    • Handle soiled items gently to avoid spreading the virus.

Precautions:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before eating, drinking, or smoking.
  • Don’t touch your mouth or food after touching anything that might be contaminated.
  • Wear disposable gloves when taking care of anyone who is sick.

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

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ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
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The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee