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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

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page