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World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10

 

Creating hope through action

Our work as firefighters is not limited to wildfires but has expanded to all risk and hazards, which brings even more exposure to stressful situations. Hurricanes, longer assignments, busier seasons, devastating fires… sound familiar? More time away from home and experiencing more stress can take a toll.

World Suicide Prevention Day. Creating Hope Through Action – September 10

Learn more at International Association of Suicide Prevention

Creating hope through action aims to inspire the confidence and light in all of us. Our actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling. Preventing suicide is possible and we are all key players in its prevention. Through action, we can make a difference to someone in their darkest moments – as a friend, neighbor, or colleague. We can all play a role in supporting those simply struggling or experiencing a suicidal crisis.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dark blue font on cyan colored background in box.

U.S.’s first three-digit mental health crisis line

In July 2022, the U.S. adopted 988, an easy to remember number for anyone experiencing mental health distress or a suicidal crisis.

What is 988?

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers free, 24/7 access to a counselor who is trained to support people experiencing mental health distress, suicidal, or substance use crises. Services are available in English, Spanish, or translation in over 250 languages.


What happens when you contact 988?

A trained crisis counselor will respond to your call or text. The counselor will listen, ask questions to understand how problems are affecting you, provide support, and share resources that might be helpful.

Help is a touch away

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are in distress, text, or call 988 for free, confidential support available 24/7.

Learning to recognize indicators that you or someone on your crew/unit/team needs additional support can be the difference that saves a life.

Discussion topics:

  • What are different things you can do to help when you are feeling stressed or depressed?
  • What are possible warning signs a person may be displaying who is distressed or considering suicide?
  • What types of questions can a person ask someone who may be distressed or considering suicide?

References:

Category
Firefighter Health and First Aid

6MFS Suggestion Form


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NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Quarter Four Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee