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Week of Remembrance

2022 WOR: South Canyon Fire (Colorado) – July 6, 1994

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

 

South Canyon Fire (Colorado) – July 6, 1994

Today’s topic is dedicated to all wildland firefighters.
May we never stop learning.

 

A group of nine wildland firefighters gather in a circle to listen to a crew boss discuss a map laid out in front of him.

Today we mark the anniversary of the South Canyon Fire which claimed the lives of 14 wildland firefighters. This tribute to the incident on Storm King Mountain closes out a week of collective remembrance and learning, honoring the lives lost to wildland fire. Anniversaries such as this provide an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our mission and seek improvement. Participating in the Week of Remembrance, it becomes clear how tightly wound learning and tragedy are. As a result of these events, countless lessons can be learned and passed along through our leaders, teachers, mentors, and conversations with each other.

This is our history. Learn from it today. Use it tomorrow.

Week of Remembrance is a somber time for all of us. Taking this week to discuss lessons of loss should encourage us to reflect. What we do with that reflection is how we honor the memories of those we have lost.

The purpose of this week has been to honor all fallen firefighters by making a commitment to learn the lessons from those that walked the fireline before us. Many lessons are learned the hard way ending in the ultimate sacrifice

Student of Fire – This notion was coined by the late Paul Gleason, developer of LCES. When asked what he wanted his legacy to be, Paul responded, “I suppose I would want my legacy to be that firefighters begin to realize the importance of being a student of fire, and that I was able to help make that happen.” Being a student of fire means different things to different people.

“Ultimately, a student of fire is first and foremost a student. A student is always learning. A student never assumes they have it all figured out. A student looks for the lesson. A student is willing to question their own beliefs. This is humility.” – Learning in the Wildland Fire Service

Ask yourself: Are you a student of fire?

Action: We encourage everyone – fireline personnel, incident management teams, fire support staff, or program managers – to take a moment of remembrance today when appropriate to:

  • Reflect on the 6MFS Week of Remembrance topics.
  • Discuss lessons learned from this Week of Remembrance.
  • Consider how you will apply those lessons.

 

Never Forgotten

In memory of the firefighters lost on the incidents studied during the 2022 Week of Remembrance and to all whose ultimate sacrifice has given us the opportunity to learn.

Purple Ribbon
“We as firefighters can most honor them by recognizing and cherishing the lessons they have imparted to us at the greatest price.”
– Paul Gleason

 

Category
Week of Remembrance

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NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Team Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

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Questions?  Please contact:
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The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

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NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

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Questions?  Please contact:
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The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

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NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
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The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal