Skip to main content

2014 WOR: Towards Better Decisions on the Fireline

Ribbon symbol for WOR next to Wildland Fire Lessons Learned logo.Week of Remembrance June 30-July 6, 2014

It’s not uncommon to find some element of human factors being discussed in a training venue these days. We talk often, on and off the line, about situational awareness, decision making, slides and leadership concepts. This was not always the case; this shift in our culture was inspired by the tragic events of July 6th 1994 and the loss of 14 firefighters on the South Canyon Fire. 

The foundation for this movement towards introspection and the increased emphasis on the individual firefighter was brought about greatly by the Wildland Firefighter Human Factors Workshop in 1995. “The goal of the workshop was not to come up with quick solutions, rather to explore the human issues of wildland firefighting and make recommendations to management for corrective actions that would have lasting effects.”  The findings from the workshop became the single most culturally influential document of the time.

With a focus on the psychological, cultural, and organizational aspects of firefighting, experts introduced new models such as Highly Reliable Organizations (HRO), Recognition Primed Decision Making (RPD), and Crew Resource Management (CRM). These models would become the foundation for the Wildland Fire Leadership curriculum and set in motion a cultural paradigm shift.  The following are excerpts from the CRM adapted for fire:

Decision making —

  • Cross-check information sources
  • Anticipate consequences of decisions
  • Use data to generate alternatives
  • Gather pertinent data before making a decision
  • Evaluate information and assess resources
  • Identify alternatives and contingencies
  • Provide rationale for decision
  • Acknowledge communication
  • Repeat information
  • Reply with a question or comment
  • Use nonverbal communication appropriately

Leadership —

  • Determine tasks to be assigned
  • Establish procedures to monitor and assess the crew
  • Inform the crew members of fire assignment progress
  • Verbalize plans
  • Discuss ways to improve performance
  • Ask for input; discuss problems
  • Tell crew members what to do
  • Reallocate work in a dynamic situation
  • Focus crew attention to task
  • Provide a legitimate avenue for dissent
  • Provide feedback to crew on performance

Adaptability/flexibility —

  • Alter fire plans to meet situation demands
  • Alter behavior to meet situation demands
  • Accept constructive criticism and help
  • Step in and help other crew members
  • Be receptive to others’ ideas

Assertiveness —

  • Advocate a specific course of action
  • State opinions on decisions and procedures even to higher-ranking crew member
  • Ask questions when uncertain
  • Make suggestions
  • Raise questions about procedures

Situational Awareness —

  • Identify problems/potential problems
  • Recognize the need for action
  • Attempt to determine why discrepancies exist with     information before proceeding
  • Provide information in advance
  • Demonstrate ongoing awareness of fire assignment progress
  • Demonstrate awareness of your task performance

Mission Analysis —

  • Define tasks based on fire assignment
  • Structure strategies, tactics, and objectives
  • Identify potential impact of unplanned events on a fire
  • Critique existing plans
  • Devise contingency plans
  • Question/seek information, data, and ideas related to fire plan

Discussion Questions: 

  1. What from the above information can you apply today? 
  2. How can you make this information relevant in every operation?

  

Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee.


Follow NWCG on Twitter and Facebook

NWCG Latest Announcements

New Job Aids Available: Packing Lists for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel and Support Staff, J-101 and J-102

Date: December 3, 2024
Contact: NWCG TRAINING

Two new job aids are now available: Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101 and Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Personnel, J-102, should serve as a baseline for items needed on a wildland fire assignment. These lists will help personnel prepare for a 14 to 21-day assignment on the fireline or in a support role.

References:

Job Aid Catalog

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Fireline Personnel, J-101

NWCG Packing List for Wildland Fire Support Staff, J-102

NWCG Equipment Technology Committee Releases Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Date: November 14, 2024
Contact: Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention. Misaligned toolless fuel caps on Stihl chainsaws have led to recurring fuel spillage, fuel ignition, and burn injuries during wildland fire management operations.

This Safety Warning is intended to highlight the details and recommended procedures for the installation of a Stihl chainsaw toolless fuel cap, as well as how to identify and correct a misaligned, damaged, or broken fuel cap to help prevent fuel spillage.

References:

NWCG Safety Warning: 24-001 Stihl Chainsaw Toolless Fuel Cap Spill Prevention

Advertencia de equipos 24-001: Prevención de derrames de la tapa de combustible sin herramientas de la motosierra Stihl

NWCG Alerts

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51 and NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for EQTR, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Equipment Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Equipment Time Recorder, PMS 350-51

NWCG Position Task Book for Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR), PMS 311-51

The Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC)

Date: November 13, 2024
Contact: Incident Business Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53 and NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53 are now available.

The Performance Support Package, which for PTRC, includes the Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Book were developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. The Performance Support Package will support trainees, those qualified in the position, and evaluators.

References:

NWCG Personnel Time Recorder Position Page

NWCG Incident Position Standards for Personnel Time Recorder, PMS 350-53

NWCG Position Task Book for Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC), PMS 311-53