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Week of Remembrance

Snake Bites

 

Snakes are usually shy creatures that avoid human contact. Unfortunately, wildland firefighters are at risk of having contact due to their work environment. It should be noted that most snakes in the United States do not have venom. However, bites from non-venomous snakes can still cause significant infections and injury. Thus, it is best to avoid all snakes and bites when possible.

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Pacific Rattlesnake
Pacific Rattlesnake

99% of envenomation from venomous snakes in North America are from the pit viper or Crotalidae family. This family includes copperheads, cotton mouth, and all varieties of rattlesnakes. The Crotalidae snake toxin is a complex mixture of proteases that essentially causes tissue destruction. Bites from any of these snakes are treated the same way and share the same antivenom.

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Coral Snake
Coral Snake

The other venomous snake in North America is from the Elapid family, the coral snake. The coral snake is only found in small pockets throughout NM, AZ, TX, and southeast states. The coral snake toxin affects the central nervous system and requires a different antivenom.

Approximately ½ of all venomous snake bites are “dry”- meaning the snake does not secrete any venom. When venom is injected, the amount varies considerably based on the area of contact, last feeding, and other variables. However, any time a firefighter is bitten by a snake, it should be assumed that it was a venomous snake, that a significant amount of venom was secreted, and they should be evacuated. Once at a hospital it can be determined what course of action is needed. Delaying treatment to determine the type of snake or if symptoms will develop may cause significant harm. 
 

If bitten by a snake:

  • Assume it is venomous.
  • Do not try and catch or kill the snake.  This often results in secondary bites.
  • Clean the area with mild soap and water if possible.
  • Keep the area below the level of the heart.
  • DO NOT tightly wrap the area or apply constrictive dressings.
  • Get transported to the nearest emergency department in a timely fashion.

In the emergency department the patient will be evaluated, and it will be determined if antivenom is necessary. Other treatments may include tetanus vaccination, antibiotics, and local wound care. 

Discussion Questions:

  • What are the types of dangerous snakes that are found in the area you are working now?
  • When your crew identifies a snake, what actions do you take to advise others and avoid contact?

 

Category
Firefighter Health & First Aid

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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