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Week of Remembrance

2021 WOR: Taking Care of People

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7

 

 

Thirtymile Fire – The Days After

Stone plaques and memorial for four individuals who died on the Thirtymile Fire.

Thirtymile Fire Memorial at the Chewuch River.

Following release from the scene and check-ups at the hospital, everyone involved were told to meet at the North Cascades Smokejumper Base (a facility able to house the large group) where an official debrief was conducted. While well intended, the way this debrief was conducted wasn’t well received by many of the participants.

The next day, separate but overlapping investigations began with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Forest Service, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG investigation lasted until 2009.

On Thursday July 12th, resources were released. Some were given the option to take a week of paid leave with their families while others were instructed to return to work on Monday or use leave for additional time off.

In the following days and weeks there were a series of memorials for the fallen firefighters.

Organizational Learning

Following feedback from this incident and others, the wildland fire service has learned and continues to learn how to move forward following critical incidents. Peer support is one of many tools used in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). For many this has become a preferred model for wildland firefighter-involved critical incidents.

“Social connectedness is one of the strongest protective factors against stress reactions and is linked to emotional well-being and recovery following trauma and adversity.”

Dr. Patricia Watson.

The peer support concept is founded on peers or people of mutual respect helping each other. In our case, firefighters helping firefighters. The shared experience of peers fosters the initial trust and credibility necessary for developing relationships. Peer-to-peer programs facilitate opportunities for individuals to talk with trained peer supporters who serve as a bridge to connect with mental health professionals. Peer support groups can offer educational, social support, build resilience, and provide avenues for additional help if needed. The standard of care for the peer support concept is the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Peer support training is offered multiple times throughout the year.

A purple ribbon symbolizing remembrance of those who have passed away.Discussion Questions:

  • Do you know your organization’s plan for taking care of people involved in a critical incident? If not, who does?
  • What can you do to mentally prepare for difficulties faced during and after a critical incident?
  • The need for human connectedness continues long after the trauma, but the traumatized individuals often can’t reach out for it themselves.  Think 30 days later…what can you do to reach out and connect to someone who experienced a traumatic event?  What about one year later? Or 10 years or even 20 years later?

 

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
Critical Incident Stress Management Program
NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

FAQ Now Available for Archiving Type 1 and Type 2 Incident Positions

Date: Aug 6, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Incident and Position Standards Committee

To support the transition to Complex Incident Management (CIM), NWCG will archive all Type 1 and Type 2 Command and General Staff (C&G) position qualifications in January 2026, as outlined in NWCG Executive Board Memo 25-002. To assist with this transition, a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is now available.

This resource answers common questions about the status of Type 1 and Type 2 qualifications, impacts to incident qualification management, training requirements, and resource ordering considerations. Review the full FAQ to learn more.

For additional information on CIM and the transition of C&G positions, see NWCG Executive Board Memos 23-005, 24-005, and 25-002, as well as the Incident Workforce and Development Group webpage.

References:

NWCG Type 1 & Type 2 Position Archiving FAQ

NWCG Executive Board Correspondence

Incident Workforce Development Group

Incident and Position Standards Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444