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Week of Remembrance

2017 WOR: Wildland Firefighter

Ribbon symbol for survivor next to the Wildland Fire Leadership logoWeek of Remembrance June 30 - July 6, 2017

“One of the few acts of free will that tragedy leaves within our control, is the chance to grow.
Our brothers have given us such a precious and hard-won opportunity to learn new knowledge and apply lessons.”

"Honor the Fallen” Member

 

June 30 through July 6 has been designated the NWCG “Wildland Firefighter Week of Remembrance.” This week serves as an annual opportunity to renew our commitment to the safety of wildland firefighters as we remember those who have fallen in the line of duty. Over many decades, lessons learned from accidents and fatalities that have occurred on wildland fires have led to significant improvements in firefighter education, training, operational practices, and risk management processes. Unfortunately, wildland firefighting remains inherently hazardous, and we continue to experience accidents and fatalities. This “Week of Remembrance” is an opportunity to collectively remember our fallen firefighters as we continue our ongoing effort to enhance the safety of all wildland firefighters.

 

Background:

In 2013 the wildland fire community suffered 34 fatalities over the course of the fire season including the tragic events on June 30th on the Yarnell Hill Fire where 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives. That summer it seemed like there was one fatality after another. Each loss affected our lives. However, the loss of 19 members of Granite Mountain felt like it shook the community to our very core.

A small group comprised of Senior Leaders in Fire Management, Superintendents, Fire Management Officers, Scientists and Experts in Human Factors connected in a grassroots movement to understand the events of June 30th and beyond. This group’s single motivation was to honor our fallen brothers and sisters by learning as much as we could. The group eventually became known as “Honor the Fallen” (HTF).

The Call to Action:

The mission of this group was not to judge or assign blame, but to engage in a sense-making journey, trying to understand the conditions, cultural practices, mental models, and examining our own vulnerabilities. The HTF group began several initiatives to engage the field at various levels to facilitate discussions around Yarnell as a springboard to stimulate dialog and influence change. The group facilitated preseason discussions at the national, regional, and local levels the following year. They utilized social media to reach larger audiences through Blogs, articles, and white papers. 

What the Core Group Learned: Reflection is one of the biggest lessons we learned. Much like your own reflection in the mirror that greets you every morning, we kept having to return to look at ourselves. To see both the good and the bad. As we sought to understand, we had to first acknowledge a reflection of our own actions, beliefs, and long-held views in what we saw.

What We are Asking You To Do:

  • Join us in a period of remembrance and take the time to reflect on your own actions, beliefs, and views of fire. Do you see what you want to see?
  • If you could speak to the fallen, what would you say? How would you acknowledge their sacrifice? What has changed for you? How are you leading others to do the same?
  • What is your ultimate responsibility as a leader?
  • What does “Honor the Fallen” mean to you?

 

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
Yarnell Hill Entrapment Documents
Two More Chains Summer 2013

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
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:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

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

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

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.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

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

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

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.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page