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Hazard Mitigation Through Risk Management

 

Risk management doesn’t get in the way of doing the mission – it is the way we do the mission. The risk management process assists in ensuring that critical factors and risks of the fireline work environment are considered during decision-making. Good risk management utilizes a five-step process:

Step 1 – Situational Awareness:

  • Obtain information.
  • Scout the fire.
  • Identify hazards.
  • Consider all aspects of current and future situations.
  • Consider known historical problem areas (apply local area information from the Fire Danger PocketCard).
  • Recognize the need for action.
  • Demonstrate ongoing awareness of fire assignment status.
  • Note deviations.
  • Attempt to determine why any discrepancies exist before proceeding.

Step 2 – Hazard Assessment:

  • Assess hazards to determine risks (e.g., fire behavior, snags, unburned fuels, work/rest).
  • Use the Look Up, Down, and Around and the Tactical Watch Outs (both located in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide [IRPG], PMS 461) to identify high-risk tactical hazards.
  • Assess the impact of each hazard in terms of potential loss, cost, and mission/operational degradation based on probability and severity (probability: how likely an event will occur; severity: consequences if the event occurs). Keep in mind that increased exposure time increases probability.

Step 3 – Hazard Control:

  • Determine the best approach to mitigate or control the risk based on the hazards assessed.
  • Establish controls (e.g., anchor point, Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones [LCES], utilize downhill checklist, limit exposure time).
  • As control measures are developed, reevaluate each risk until it is reduced to a level where benefits outweigh potential costs.

Step 4 – Decision Point (decision to accept or not accept the risks associated with an action):

  • Ask yourself: (1) are controls in place for identified hazards, (2) are tactics selected based on expected fire behavior, and (3) are instructions given and understood?
  • Make certain the decision is made at the appropriate level. If not, elevate to a higher level.
  • Reject the action if the risk is unacceptable.

Step 5 – Evaluation:

  • Ensure controls are implemented and accomplished to standards.
  • Supervise/evaluate the effectiveness of controls and decisions. Monitor the situation and adjust risk controls as necessary.
  • Anticipate consequences of decisions; if controls do not work, determine the problem, and derive a better solution.
  • Adjust actions as the situation changes. Maintain situational awareness.
  • Solicit and provide feedback throughout the process.

 

Category
Operational Engagement
References
Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461
10 Standard Firefighting Orders, PMS 110
18 Watch Out Situations, PMS 118
10 and 18 Poster, PMS 110-18

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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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

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2