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Week of Remembrance

2021 WOR: Taking Care of People

 Day 1  |  Day 2  |  Day 3  |  Day 4  |  Day 5  |  Day 6  |  Day 7

 

 

Thirtymile Fire – The Days After

Stone plaques and memorial for four individuals who died on the Thirtymile Fire.

Thirtymile Fire Memorial at the Chewuch River.

Following release from the scene and check-ups at the hospital, everyone involved were told to meet at the North Cascades Smokejumper Base (a facility able to house the large group) where an official debrief was conducted. While well intended, the way this debrief was conducted wasn’t well received by many of the participants.

The next day, separate but overlapping investigations began with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Forest Service, and the Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG investigation lasted until 2009.

On Thursday July 12th, resources were released. Some were given the option to take a week of paid leave with their families while others were instructed to return to work on Monday or use leave for additional time off.

In the following days and weeks there were a series of memorials for the fallen firefighters.

Organizational Learning

Following feedback from this incident and others, the wildland fire service has learned and continues to learn how to move forward following critical incidents. Peer support is one of many tools used in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM). For many this has become a preferred model for wildland firefighter-involved critical incidents.

“Social connectedness is one of the strongest protective factors against stress reactions and is linked to emotional well-being and recovery following trauma and adversity.”

Dr. Patricia Watson.

The peer support concept is founded on peers or people of mutual respect helping each other. In our case, firefighters helping firefighters. The shared experience of peers fosters the initial trust and credibility necessary for developing relationships. Peer-to-peer programs facilitate opportunities for individuals to talk with trained peer supporters who serve as a bridge to connect with mental health professionals. Peer support groups can offer educational, social support, build resilience, and provide avenues for additional help if needed. The standard of care for the peer support concept is the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. Peer support training is offered multiple times throughout the year.

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

  • Do you know your organization’s plan for taking care of people involved in a critical incident? If not, who does?
  • What can you do to mentally prepare for difficulties faced during and after a critical incident?
  • The need for human connectedness continues long after the trauma, but the traumatized individuals often can’t reach out for it themselves.  Think 30 days later…what can you do to reach out and connect to someone who experienced a traumatic event?  What about one year later? Or 10 years or even 20 years later?

 

Category
Week of Remembrance
References
Critical Incident Stress Management Program
NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee
International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc.

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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