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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  |   Workouts

 

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?
  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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Week of Remembrance

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Task Book Update

Date:  July 24, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Tree Felling Subcommittee

NWCG Operations Management Committee (OMC) has issued an update to the NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91. To ensure clarity for both trainees and evaluators, the updated FAL2 Position Task Book (PTB) explicitly states who is authorized to sign off on your tasks:

“Evaluators must be qualified as a FAL2, or an Advanced Faller (FAL1).”

If you are currently working out of a previously published version of the FAL2 PTB, you do not need to restart. However, OMC highly encourages you to take the following step to prevent any confusion in the field:

  • Print and replace the updated evaluator information page (page 2) in your current physical PTB.

References:

Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Page

RMC Memo 26-01: Transition Plan for Implementing Updates to Intermediate Faller (FAL2) Position Qualifications

NWCG Position Task Book for Intermediate Faller (FAL2), PMS 311-91

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