Curriculum

NFDRS header graphic. Decorative.

NFDRS2016 Overview
1. Orientation (ppt)
2. NFDRS - A National System (video)
  
  Time: 2:42
3. NFDRS - New Science & Technology (video)
  
  Time: 9:25
NIFC ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL) Setup - NIFC ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL) Set-up and Familiarization
Delineation of Response Zones - The Relationship of Response Zones to Fire Danger Rating
Building a FireFamilyPlus Database
1. Weather Data.
2. Fire Data.
3. Custom Agencies.
Evaluation
1. NFDRS2016 Evaluation. - Is there a new version of this?
2. NFDRS2016 Evaluation PPT. - This does not match - Jeff uploaded a new version on 4/17
3. All FDRAs BI FM Y Graph Mean/Min/Max Staffing Response Levels 09-16-2019. - Are these documents still accurate?
4. ERC BI Comparison Charts 07-17-2019.
5. Lesson 6 – Setting Up NFDRS2016 in WIMS.
6. Rays Valley Comparison.
7. SEZ 2 Week Hourly Analysis 08-18-2019.

Unit/Topic	Presentations	Materials
	Lesson #1 – Intent, Policy, and Guidance for Fire Danger Rating and implementing NFDRS2016	Sample Agenda Guide Lesson 1
	Lesson #2 – Using Fire Danger Products to Manage Readiness, Risk, and Response Decisions	Guide Lesson 2
	Lesson #3 – Fire Danger Rating Components, Applications, and Management Tools	Guide Lesson 3 Interagency FDOP (Blank Template) Preparedness Plan (Blank Template) Response Plan (Blank Template) Staffing Plan (Blank Template) Prevention Plan (Blank Template)
	Lesson #4 Part 1 – NFDRS: Overview, History, & New Science Part 2 – NFDRS: New Dead Fuel Moisture Model Part 3 – NFDRS: New Live Fuel Moisture Model - this pptx is not available right now Part 4 – NFDRS: Fuel Model Consolidation	Guide Lesson 4, Part 1 Video: NFDRS - A National System (Time 2:42) Video: NFDRS - New Science & Technology (Time 9:25) Guide Lesson 4, Part 2 Video: NFDRS Fuel Models (Time 47:44) Video: NFDRS GSI (Time 22:44) Guide Lesson 4, Part 3 Video: NFDRS Dead Fuel Models (Time 18:25) Guide Lesson 4, Part 4
	Lesson #5 – FDOP Case Study	Guide Lesson 5
	Lesson #6 for NFDRS2016 – Implementation and Evaluation	Guide Lesson 6
	Lesson #7 – Fire Danger Rating Areas	Guide Lesson 7
	Lesson #8 – ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL)	Guide Lesson 8 Task 1: Characterization of Vegetation, Climate, and Topography 1a TechTip - Log on to NIFC AGOL 1b TechTip - Characterizing Veg, Climate & Topo in NIFC AGOL Task 2: Delineating Fire Danger rating Areas 2a TechTip - Extracting a local copy from AGOL to Edit FDRAs In Desktop ArcGIS 2b TechTip - Creating edge-matched FDRAs in ArcMap without fire response areas 2c TechTip - Creating edge-matched FDRAs in ArcMap using fire response areas 2d TechTip - Exporting fires by FDRA 2e TechTip - Importing Fires Associated with Custom Agencies in FireFamilyPlus
	Lesson #9 – Framing the Fire Occurrence	Guide Lesson 9 Task 3: Framing the Fire Occurrence Planning Area Fire Workload Analysis Chart Fire Danger Operating Plan Template
	Lesson #10 – Weather Stations	Guide Lesson 10
	Lesson #11 – Fire Danger Operating Procedures, Decision Classes, and Management Actions	Guide Lesson 11 Task 4: Creating a Fire Weather Station Network 4a TechTip - RAWS SIG Selector Tool
	Lesson #12 – Applied Statistics for FireFamilyPlus	Guide Lesson 12 Task 5: Matching NFDRS Outputs to Fire Business 5a TechTip - Reading FFP Graphs 5b TechTip - Fires Analysis 5c techTip - Goodness-of-Fit Reference 5d TechTip - Fire Analysis Candidates Reference
	Lesson #13 – FPOD Case Study	Guide Lesson 13 - Material is a Word document with a fillable discussion area for instructors.
	Lesson #14 – Defining Breakpoints and Thresholds	Guide Lesson 14 Task 6: Analysis for Management Tools and Decisions 6a TechTip - Fire Business Thresholds 6b TechTip - Fire Business Thresholds Reference
	Lesson #15 – Fire Preparedness Plans and their Relationship to the FDOP	Guide Lesson 15 Task 7: Fire Preparedness Plans
	Lesson #16 – Case Study	Guide Lesson 16

NWCG Latest Announcements

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date: March 23, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: March 17, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date: March 13, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date: March 6, 2026
Questions?
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications.

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks.

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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