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Illegal Grow Operations

Dangers from People

Illegal marijuana grow operations are often in remote, isolated areas – the same areas we work in. It can be a big business or a small operation. In either case, if the grow site is illegal, you can bet the individuals involved are highly motivated to keep their operation secret. Outsiders are perceived as a threat – people in any type of uniform or official vehicle even more so.

  • If you happen upon an illegal grow operation, notify law enforcement.
  • Do not approach any individuals.
  • Leave the area using the exact route that you entered.
  • If possible, note location.
  • If not able to leave, notify command of situation. They may want to avoid sending more folks into the area.

Dangers from Chemicals

Illegal growers frequently source large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides, many of which are not legal in the U.S. Some of these chemicals pose significant health hazards. Cleanup is highly specialized and requires specific training and PPE.

  • DO NOT touch any barrels, containers, bags, sprayers, etc.
  • If someone has come into contact with a chemical, immediately remove as much as possible by brushing off with gloved hand or water irrigation. Remove clothing WITH CARE to avoid exposing more skin to the material.
  • If you see something with the name of the chemical on it, snap a photo (if safe to do so) and send along with the patient.
  • Watch for signs and symptoms of organophosphate or carbamate poisoning. Think of it as everything is dripping and running. The mnemonic “SLUDGE” may be helpful:
    • S alivation - drooling
    • L acrimation - watery eyes
    • U rination
    • D efecation - diarrhea
    • GI - cramps and pain
    • E mesis - vomiting

Difficulty breathing, wheezing, muscle cramps, and low heart rate are more symptoms. 
There are antidotes available, but time is critical. Initiate the “RED” Medical Incident Response (MIR) plan and get help immediately. State if you suspect poisoning since antidotes are specific and require very high doses. If you can, decontaminate the victim to help prevent exposing others and the medical responders. Brush off any dried powder with a gloved hand or brush, then rinse with copious amounts of water. If wet, rinse immediately. 

While you wait for care, it’s a good idea to call POISON CONTROL: 800-222-1222 

References:

Category
Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

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NWCG Latest Announcements

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species – Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

Date:  July 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics and Equipment Management Committee (LMC) issued Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels, reminding the wildland fire community that aquatic mussels continue to be a problem. Mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos (with a pen or your hand for size reference) and location details.”

Read the complete LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001, to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

LMC Equipment Bulletin 26-001: Aquatic Invasive Species - Seasonal Reminder for Mussels

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

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