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Smoke Exposure

 

Exposure to smoke during fire operations can be a significant safety concern. Research has shown that smoke exposure on prescribed fires, especially in the holding and ignition positions, often exceeds that on wildfires. There are many precautions that can be taken to limit personnel exposure to smoke.

Planning

Smoke exposure needs to be considered when planning suppression tactics and prescribed fires. Simple actions, such as the following, can mitigate smoke exposures.

  • Alter line locations to minimize smoke exposure.
  • Locate firelines in areas of lighter fuels or use roads or other barriers that will require less holding, patrol, and mop-up.
  • Use flanking attack as opposed to head attack (where appropriate) in heavy smoke situations.
  • Check fire behavior forecasts for smoke and inversion potential.
  • In heavy smoke, give up acres to gain control.

Implementation

Many techniques, including the following, can help reduce the exposure of personnel to heavy smoke.

  • Rotate people out of the heaviest smoke area; this may be the single most effective method.
  • Locate camps and Incident Command Posts in areas not prone to inversions.
  • Minimize snag falling, consistent with safety concerns, to avoid putting heavy fuels on the ground that will require mop-up.
  • Change firing patterns and pre-burning (black lining) during less severe conditions to greatly reduce exposure to smoke.
  • The use of retardant, foam, or sprinklers can also significantly reduce the workload and exposure time for holding crews.

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid
References
WFSTAR Module - Smoke: Knowing the Risks
FINAL REPORT Wildland Fire Smoke Health Effects on Wildland Firefighters and th…
Factors affecting smoke and crystalline silica exposure among wildland firefigh…
Wildland firefighter smoke exposure and risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular …

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200