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Hazard Tree – Secure Felling Area

Forest road with sign blocking road reading falling area positively no entrance.

The following fundamental safety principles for tree felling operations have been established based on repeated lessons learned following serious accidents. To protect sawyers, swampers, and operational personnel from exposure to potential traumatic injury or death during tree felling operations, the following safety procedures should be applied to all felling activities. Fireline supervisors should continue to monitor all felling operations to ensure the following safe job procedures are consistently applied:

  • A secure felling area, MINIMUM OF TWO AND ONE HALF (2.5) TIMES THE HEIGHT OF THE MATERIAL BEING FELLED IN ALL DIRECTIONS, needs to be established and maintained by the faller during all tree felling operations. In addition, the entire downhill side on slopes must be secured if materials can fall/role for a long, unpredictable distance.
  • No one shall be permitted in the secured felling area without the authorization of the faller.
  • The faller shall establish a safety zone outside the secured area and direct EVERYONE to remain there until all felling is completed and an "all clear" has been communicated.
  • Safety zones should be established, whenever practical, in the opposite direction of the planned fall, and at a distance of at least 2.5 times the height of the trees being felled.
  • The faller shall assign lookout(s). The lookout(s) shall have reliable communications with the faller, and other personnel adjacent to the secure areas.
  • Competent lookouts shall be established and maintained by the faller at all major access points of roads and trails that afford access to the secured felling area.
  • The faller will ensure that no hazards remain such as hang-ups, unstable logs, or other dangers before approving access or leaving the secured area.

 

Category
Felling Safety
References
Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Subcommittee

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2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 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—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

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Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

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EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552