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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. 

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:

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. 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.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee