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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.
     

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NWCG Latest Announcements

New Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

Date:  April 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: National Coordination System Committee

A new publication from the National Coordination System Committee (NCSC) is now available. The NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249, will be used for aviation crews and dispatch to share flight information that is needed for resource tracking, and if needed, for emergency procedures.

For further details, please contact your NCSC representative. 

References:

NCSC Memo 26-01: Implementation of NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

NWCG Aircraft Flight Schedule Form, PMS 249

New Glossary Term for Review

Date:  April 15, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Data Standards and Terminology Board (DSTB)

The Data Standards and Terminology Board is requesting feedback on a new glossary term: Resource Protection Measure (RPM).

The proposed definition is: Practical guidance provided for incident personnel in a manner in which incident objectives can be achieved while reducing impacts to identified resources across the landscape. RPMs are informed by, but not restricted to, Minimum Impact Strategies and Tactics (MIST).

Please review, share with your subgroups, and provide feedback as appropriate through the following form: Request Feedback The comment period will close May 10, 2026.

Thank you for your engagement in the NWCG glossary process – your participation is key to our success.

References:

Glossary Request Feedback

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