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Roadside Incident Response

Nationally, the number of injuries and fatalities among emergency responders who are responding to roadside incidents is increasing. Although most wildland fires occur in remote areas, there are situations where wildland fire personnel are responding to fires along rural country roads, backcountry roads, or major highways; where risk still exists for firefighters.

Considerations when responding to fires and other incidents along roadsides:

  • Firefighter and public safety will always be the number one priority.
  • Utilize Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones in all incident activities.
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be used on all incidents.

Upon Arrival at the Scene

Size up the incident – see NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide, PMS 461, Sizeup Report on the inside front cover.

  • What has happened?
  • What is happening?
  • What will or could happen?
  • Is this a hazardous materials situation?

Apply the Risk Management Process

Tactical Considerations:

  • Anytime traffic flow is affected by the incident, contact the jurisdictional law enforcement agency for assistance.
  • Conduct all operations as far from traffic lanes as possible to provide for crew and public safety.
  • Park units on the same side of the roadway whenever possible to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Personnel should not exit the fire apparatus until instructed to do so by the module leader.
  • Exit the fire apparatus away from the roadway or where hazard exposure is minimized.
  • Exit the fire apparatus with full PPE.
  • Post a lookout to watch for and control oncoming traffic.
  • Utilize forward and rear spotters when visibility is impaired or road conditions warrant.
  • Utilize road flares or other traffic warning signs whenever possible.
  • If equipment needs to be removed from the traffic side of the apparatus, one person will retrieve the equipment and a lookout will watch for oncoming traffic.
  • Engine operators will operate pumps from the non-traffic side or from the cab of the apparatus when possible. Keep all hose, fire tools, and equipment out of traffic lanes when possible.
  • During night operations, utilize reflective clothing, vests, and other safety equipment as necessary.
  • All emergency responses on roadways will be concluded as quickly as possible to reduce personnel exposure.
  • Cancel or demobilize unnecessary apparatus as soon as possible.

Note: Each emergency vehicle operator will follow their state laws and agency policies governing the operations of emergency vehicles.

References:

Category
Vehicles - Roads

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center