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Preparedness Level (PL) 5 Watch Outs

Preparedness levels are established locally, geographically and nationally to indicate that there are ongoing major incidents and potential to exhaust, or have exhausted, all agency fire resources. There are a number of factors which exist at this preparedness level that have the potential to impact firefighter safety:

  • Most or all levels of the fire management organization are operating at maximum capacity or even in crisis mode.
  • The incident support system is maxed out.
  • Resources needed to accomplish incident objectives are unavailable.
  • Fatigue is impacting individuals at all levels of the organization.
  • There is a sustained high operational tempo.

We must be mindful that these conditions reduce our margin for error.  The decisions we make have the potential to further reduce that margin, or to increase our capacity to cope with uncertainty.

Read this scenario and imagine that you are in a similar situation.

It is PL5 and you are on a rapidly growing Type 3 incident. There sources on the incident can’t keep up with the demands of the fire. An Incident Management Team (IMT) has been ordered but is not expected to arrive for multiple days. An engine crew has exceeded their 2:1 work/rest ratio for 3 days straight and is now overly fatigued, mentally and physically. The crew works a full day shift prepping line with chainsaws for the night shift’s planned burn operations.

The engine is a part of a task force responsible for completing a back burn and holding the line without the ability to bring in extra resources if things don’t go as planned. The engine crew consists of an Engine Boss (ENGB), an experienced assistant, a first-year crew member, and a local fuels tech with more than four years of fire experience but not as a primary firefighter. The assistant is involved in the burn and is working for the Firing Boss (FIRB), leaving the ENGB and two crew members to help with holding. Unfavorable winds during the night burn cause the firefighters to take smoke all night.

About six hours into the burn, the ENGB is faced with a decision. The task force needs a Heavy Equipment Boss (HEQB). As a trainee HEQB and the only available option, the ENGB is asked to leave the engine and provide direction to a dozer. At this point the ENGB takes a tactical pause to think about the timeline that got them to this point.

  • Scenarios like this are not uncommon during PL 5; we operate at high tempos for long durations often with narrow margins for safety. Take this time to discuss how you could create margin in this situation or share a personal story where you were stretched operationally and what you did.
  • Do we adjust our tactics during PL5 knowing it is unlikely we will get any additional resources?
  • Are there other circumstances when conditions like PL5 can occur?
  • What practices can you use to cope with the increase of expectations and operational tempo during PL 5 conditions?
Category
Operational Engagement

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

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

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1