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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

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources