Skip to main content

6MFS

6MFS Committee

All 6MFS Topics

Search All 6MFS Topics by Keyword

6MFS Calendar

Aviation

Airtankers

Felling Safety

Fire Communication

Firefighter Health and First Aid

Leadership

Miscellaneous Fireline Hazards

Operational Engagement

This Day in History

Vehicles - Roads

Weather - Fire Behavior

Week of Remembrance

2024 WOR: Burn Protocols

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7  |  Letter to Leadership

 

Burn Protocols

On August 19, 2018, while conducting burn operations on the Mendocino Complex, six firefighters were forced to run from the fire after a sudden wind shift caused a significant increase in fire behavior and cut off their escape route. During their escape, firefighters suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns. Initially the burned firefighters declined the need for medical transport. Upon further evaluation, they were transported for medical treatment. 

Image
Figure 1: NWCG Burn Injury Protocols.
Figure 1: NWCG Burn Injury Protocols. (select image to enlarge)

To help firefighters and fire managers better assess burn injuries and expedite evacuations, the NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) developed and released burn protocols in 2023. 

The burn protocols require transfer to the nearest emergency department for all moderate and any minor burns that do not improve with basic first aid treatment. Firefighters should not hesitate to activate the Incident Within an Incident (IWI) process for anything more than a minor burn.

Many burns will NOT need treatment at a burn center initially but require close follow-up over days to weeks for possible treatment at a burn center later as the wound heals.
 
Burns that appear minor should be monitored as small or minor burns can become infected and threaten firefighter health.

Wildland firefighters train for the worst-case scenario often involving an Incident Within an Incident (IWI).  All wildland firefighters must be trained to use the Medical Incident Report (ICS 206 WF).  The Medical Incident Report is available in your NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461 on pages 118-119. 

Discussion Questions:

  • What are your home unit's reporting protocols for burns and injuries? 
  • Do you know the location of your nearest emergency department?
  • Discuss burn sources (heat vs. chemical) and what training and resources you have on your crew to treat burns until transfer to definitive care is achieved.
     

Resources:

 

Category
Week of Remembrance

6MFS Suggestion Form


Have an idea or feedback?

Share it with the NWCG 6MFS Subcommittee
 


Follow NWCG on X and Facebook
 


 

Share on Social Media

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal