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Week of Remembrance

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?

​  

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
Wildland Fire Leadership Blog: Discover more valuable information about this re…
Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program Website
Leadership Video Series: Created by the Lessons Learned Center and the Wildland…

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NWCG Latest Announcements

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002