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2021 WOR: Learning from our History

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This Week of Remembrance is dedicated to all those who have fallen in the line of duty and is intended to serve as an opportunity to renew our commitment to the health, wellness, and safety of wildland firefighters.

 

Today is the eighth anniversary of a single shift on the Yarnell Hill Fire that took the lives of 19 firefighters. We use this solemn day to remember that instance and begin a week of reflection to honor all our sisters and brothers who have perished in the line of duty. We honor through learning.

Each day of the Week of Remembrance builds upon the previous day. We encourage you to give this Week of Remembrance the time and attention it deserves, and that will likely take more than 6 minutes each day. It’s worth it!

In this year’s Week of Remembrance, we acknowledge the twentieth anniversary of the Thirtymile Fire. Lessons learned from the Thirtymile Fire range from the individual and crew level to changes that impacted the entire wildland fire service.

As we review the events leading to the entrapment and shelter deployments at Thirtymile, we will start by considering the first three Wildland Fire Leadership Levels – Follower, New Leader, and Leader of People – to aid our learning. The Leadership Levels illustrate the standard leadership skills and knowledge needed at various levels of the organization. We will then review the events immediately following the entrapment and discuss group dynamics and taking care of ourselves and others after traumatic events.

Let’s begin! Consider how we learn from past incidents and the experiences of others.

A purple ribbon symbolizing remembrance of those who have passed away. Discussion Questions:

Within your crew, team, or group, discuss what a learning organization means to you.

  • How can you best learn from past fire events and the experiences of others?
  • As you gain more experience, how can that change how you view, interpret, and learn from incidents like Thirtymile?
  • How do you contribute to the learning of others?
  • What have you learned from Thirtymile already?

In preparation for the week ahead, take time to:

Additional video content from Learning from the Thirtymile Fire (2018) video is provided daily to support your ongoing discussions this week as we focus on learning from Thirtymile and listen to those who were there tell their stories.

Watch the Thirtymile Fire Case Study video (2012)


Time: 20:29

Watch the Learning from Thirtymile Fire video (2018)

Additional video content from Learning from the Thirtymile Fire video is provided daily to support your ongoing discussions as we focus on learning from Thirtymile and listen tot those who were there tell their story over the course of the next week.


Time: 1:24:56

 

Last Modified / Reviewed:


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NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200