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Week of Remembrance

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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.

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?

References:

Category
Week of Remembrance

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Date:  July 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Equipment and Technology Subcommittee

The Logistics/Equipment Management Committee (LMC) has released Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups. This advisory highlights multiple U.S. Forest Service regions reporting front driveline joint failure incidents.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to: 

  • Follow all Ram-issued inspection, maintenance, and service guidance for front driveline joints. 
  • Consider installing a driveline loop. 
  • Coordinate with fleet managers and service providers to determine the most appropriate driveline loop kit for each pickup.

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory.

References:

Equipment Advisory 26-001: Potential Front Driveline Joint Failure on 2018 and Earlier Ram Pickups

Technical Service Bulletin: 03-002-21

NEW! NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

Date:  July 9, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Staff

NWCG is excited to announce the publication of the NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900.

The new publication establishes general, consistent, and uniform standards for conducting business with the National Wildfire Coordinating Group.

References:

NWCG Standard Operating Procedures, PMS 900

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

Date:  July 8, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Development Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Fourth Quarter 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 Four materials focus on Leadership Level 4: Leader of Leaders (Provide Direction). Leadership Level 4 is where you are setting the conditions for others to do things well, even when you are not present. This quarter focuses on equipping experienced leaders with skills to provide direction, build trust across teams, and foster strong decision making. 

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Development Subcommittee

2026 Week of Remembrance

Date:  June 30, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: 6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2026 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on past incidents from 2016 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 that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2026 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center