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2026 WOR: Soberanes Fire Dozer Fatality – Robert Oliver Reagan III

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

 

Today we honor Robert Oliver Reagan III by learning from the conditions surrounding 
this tragic event.

Robert Oliver Reagan III, July 26, 2016

Incident Summary: 

On July 26, 2016, Robert Oliver Reagan III was fatally injured while working as a dozer operator on the Soberanes Fire. At approximately 10:57 PM, while attempting to access his work area, Reagan maneuvered the dozer around an engine supporting a hose lay by walking along an upper road to reach a location that would allow a smoother transition back to the lower road, which had a slope of approximately 42%. Prior to reaching this point, Reagan encountered an oncoming vehicle and began backing down the road. Witnesses observed the dozer turn and slowly edge over the embankment where the slope was approximately 81%. The dozer began to slide down the embankment between the roads when the blade caught the edge, causing the machine to tip and roll. Reagan was ejected and pinned beneath the rollover protection structure. Despite immediate response, he was pronounced deceased on scene from blunt force trauma injuries.

Soberanes Dozer Rollover Review Map.

This incident is a somber reminder that even experienced operators can encounter sudden, unpredictable hazards. Reports from the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center show that heavy equipment and dozer rollovers remain a real and recurring risk. Ensuring seat belts are worn and cab doors are secured provides critical protection when accidents occur without warning. Reinforcing these simple precautions strengthens the safety of everyone working on the fireline.

Discussion:

  1. How can we build a culture where wearing seat belts and restraint systems is viewed as an essential part of every shift, not just a policy requirement? How do you hold your crew members accountable for wearing seatbelts on your crew?
  2. What factors make equipment operators or drivers more likely to skip using a seat belt or restraint system, even on short or routine movements?
  3. How do fatigue, time pressure, or environmental conditions influence decisions about using seat belts or restraint systems?

Action: 

Discuss safe driving practices used in the wildland fire environment, especially on narrow mountain roads or when conditions reduce visibility. 

References:

Sobernanes Dozer Rollover

 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety of the wildland fire community. These awards are well deserved.

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization 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 release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters