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Week of Remembrance

2023 WOR: Esperanza Fire (California) – October 26, 2006

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Esperanza Fire (California) – October 26, 2006

Today’s topic is dedicated to all fallen firefighters and their families.
May we honor them through learning.

 

Early in the morning of Thursday, October 26, 2006, The Esperanza Fire was reported burning at the base of the hill in the town of Cabazon. A red flag warning was in effect due to high temperatures, low humidity, and Santa Ana winds. At approximately 7:15 a.m., five wildland firefighters from Forest Service Fire Engine 57 were overrun by the fire, while they were positioned near an isolated, vacant residential structure. All five firefighters were fatally burned by a sudden, intense fire run, up a steep drainage below their location.

 

We strive toward zero injuries and zero deaths while recognizing we can never eliminate risk. In honor of the five fallen members of Engine 57, we acknowledge that wildland firefighting remains inherently dangerous, which requires continued conversations with our loved ones and reevaluation of our risk tolerance. Despite our inability to eliminate tragedy we can preplan and prepare for the worst-case scenario while also choosing actions that reduce the chances of a tragic incident. While heartbroken, the people who experienced devastating loss from the Esperanza fire saw the need for change and inspired the resources and support programs for critical incidents that we have throughout our agencies today.

Discussion Questions:

  • How can we preplan with our families and coworkers to create a support network in the event of a tragedy?
    • Consider whom you would want to talk to your family if you were involved in an incident.
  • When was the last time you had a conversation with your family and friends about your wishes in the event of your injury or death?
  • Do you have a critical incident response plan for your home unit? Does your unit have trained Family and Hospital Liaisons?

Suggested Actions:

Resources:

Esperanza Reports:

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

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