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Unfamiliar With Weather And Local Factors

 

Watch Out Situation #4:  Unfamiliar with weather and local factors influencing fire behavior.

What kinds of questions would you ask of local experts?

Does the operational period plan or Incident Action Plan (IAP) give you adequate weather information? What kinds of weather forecasts are available? What other weather or local information do you look for in the plan?

Can you get information from resources that have been on the fire? What questions will you ask of the crew that you are replacing?

Is there any other way to obtain information? List common sources of information on weather and local factors. Examples include web-based Weather Activity Planner, Point Forecast Matrix, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Internet Briefing.

3. Base all actions on current and expected behavior of the fire. A firefighter looks at his watch, which reads 2 PM, while a fire actively grows in steep terrain and heavy timber.
4. Identify escape routes and safety zones, and make them known. A fire crew is walking through a meadow on a path lined with pink flagging.  Behind them, a fire is growing in heavy timber.
5. Post lookouts when there is possible danger. A firefighter works by a water pump in a creek.  Two firefighters spray water onto flames.  And another firefighter talks into a radio while observing all firefighters.

To Reduce Risks:

  • Standard Firefighting Order #3: Base all actions on current and expected fire behavior.
  • Standard Firefighting Order #4: Establish escape routes and safety zones.
  • Standard Firefighting Order #5: Post lookouts.
  • Discuss a fire where you relied on information from the local unit. For example, where your fire knowledge and experience were very different from how they did things—such as in the southeastern United States or Alaska.
  • Recognize and report visual indicators (clouds, weather observed, cold front passage, inversion breaking).

 

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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:

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

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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.

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NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page