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Week of Remembrance

2025 WOR: Sierra Fire Tree Strike – August 8, 2015

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

 

Incident Summary:

The Sierra Fire was ignited by lightning on August 8, 2015, on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the Forest Service in California. During the initial attack response, an organized crew (OC) was mobilized to the fire to assist finishing handline and mopping up the fire. Numerous hazard trees were identified within the fire perimeter. They were discussed at length and steps were taken to assess and mitigate these hazards while working the fire. While finishing the last piece of line for the shift, a weakened hemlock tree, a known hazard tree, fell and struck two firefighters.

Image
Wildland firefighter smiles at camera.

 Michael "Mikey" Hallenbeck died from injuries sustained in the accident. The second firefighter was treated at the ER and released. Mikey was very proud that he had taken the initiative to train to become a firefighter. It was his first season as an OC-36 crew member and crew members recalled his enthusiasm for this opportunity to gain firsthand experience.

Because hazard trees are so common, exposure to them feels normal. However, the Sierra Fire and many other similar tragic incidents reveal that our exposure to them should be anything but normal. Normalization of exposure to these hazards can foster a bias for action. During the Week of Remembrance, we owe it to Mikey and all the firefighters who have gone before us to have open and honest conversations about how and when we engage.

Discussion:

  • What environmental, fire, and human conditions influence normalization of exposure to hazard trees? How can we better acknowledge and talk about these conditions before engaging?
  • Who is informally or formally empowered to challenge what is “normal?"
  • As a leader, how do you create space for everyone to share their perspective?
  • What tools can you use to help you stop, think, talk, and re-evaluate your options?
  • What are all the options you have to safely mitigate a hazard tree?

 

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
When A Tree Fails: Working Around Danger Trees – Video
Felling Hazard Trees: Communication, Decision Making, & Responsibilities – Video
Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center, Sierra Fire Tree Strike Fatality 2015

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NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page