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Wildland Urban Interface Watch Outs

The primary consideration in wildland urban interface (WUI) is to assure firefighter and public safety. It is essential to assess potential fire behavior, ingress/egress routes, nature of the threat, hazardous materials, and available water supplies before engaging in the protection of any structures. The first step is to assess whether firefighting operations can be conducted safely.

Consider the Wildland Urban Interface Watch Outs in completing a risk analysis for the urban interface area to be protected. Remember there are three categories of structures:

  • Those that are not threatened.
  • Those that are threatened.
  • Those that have already been lost or are too dangerous to protect.

Wildland Urban Interface Watch Outs:

  • Poor access and narrow, one-way roads. A rapidly spreading fire could trap apparatus and personnel before they can turn around or move away from the flames and smoke.
  • Observe bridge limits. Exceeding bridge limits could lead to bridge failure with a resultant blocking of ingress/egress routes that could result in the loss of an escape route or loss of equipment.
  • Inadequate water supply. Without a reserve supply of water, the fire can overtake an area before the fuels can be cleared away.
  • Natural fuels are located 30 feet or closer to structures on level ground. Remember structures on slopes require greater clearance.
  • Structures are located on canyon slopes or in chimneys on slopes of 30% or more with continuous, flashy fuels. The resulting rate of spread of any fire in this terrain can quickly extend beyond control.
  • Extreme fire behavior:
    • Situations involving crowning, large flame heights, and erratic fire behavior can extend in an unpredictable manner beyond the control of any number of personnel.
    • Strong winds of 25+ miles per hour: Winds increase the chance of spotting over the heads of firefighters and trapping them between both fire areas. Winds also cause greater preheating of fuels in the path of a fire front.
  • The need to evacuate the public, livestock, pets, and/or animals. This critical activity can pull personnel from the firefighting activity and can distract attention from fire behavior at a time when the greatest alertness is needed.
  • Propane and above ground fuel tanks that are next to wooden structures or close to vegetation.
  • Power lines and poles:
    • What is their location in relation to the structures that are being protected? Watch for both overhead and downed power lines.
  • Local citizens are attempting suppression activities. Lack of knowledge in fire suppression may lead to unsafe tactics.
  • Airtanker retardant drops and helicopter bucket operations:
    • Establish communications and keep fire personnel out of the drop zone.

References:

Category
Operational Engagement

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These 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 and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

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

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page