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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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National Wildland Firefighter Day

Date: July 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
National Interagency Fire Center

The National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) recognizes July 2, 2025, as National Wildland Firefighter Day (NWFFD). Established in 2022, NWFFD honors the dedication of wildland firefighters and support personnel. This day falls within the 2025 Week of Remembrance (June 30 - July 6), providing an opportunity to renew our commitment to wildland firefighter safety while remembering those who have fallen in the line of duty.

NWCG provides leadership to enable interoperable wildland fire operations among federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial partners. NWCG standards and training establish common practices to contribute to safe, effective, and coordinated interagency wildland fire operations nationwide.

References:

Week of Remembrance

National Wildland Firefighter Day

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