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Curriculum

NFDRS header graphic. Decorative.

  1. NFDRS2016 Overview
    1. Orientation (ppt)
    2. NFDRS - A National System (video)

      Time:  2:42
    3. NFDRS - New Science & Technology (video)

      Time:  9:25
  2. NIFC ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL) Setup - NIFC ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL) Set-up and Familiarization
  3. Delineation of Response Zones - The Relationship of Response Zones to Fire Danger Rating
  4. Building a FireFamilyPlus Database
    1. Weather Data.
    2. Fire Data.
    3. Custom Agencies.
  5. 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
Slide 1 of Lesson #1 for Intent, Policy, and Guidance for Fire Danger Rating and implementing NFDRS2016

Lesson #1 – Intent, Policy, and Guidance for Fire Danger Rating and implementing NFDRS2016

 

Slide 1 of Lesson #2 for Using Fire Danger Products to Manage Readiness, Risk, and Response Decisions

Lesson #2 – Using Fire Danger Products to Manage Readiness, Risk, and Response Decisions

Slide 1 of Lesson #3 for Fire Danger Rating Components, Applications, and Management Tools

Lesson #3 – Fire Danger Rating Components, Applications, and Management Tools

Slide 1 of Lesson #4 Part 1 for NFDRS: Overview, History, & New Science

Lesson #4

Slide 1 of Lesson #5 for FDOP Case Study

Lesson #5 – FDOP Case Study

Slide 1 of Lesson #6  for NFDRS2016 – Implementation and Evaluation

Lesson #6 for NFDRS2016 – Implementation and Evaluation

Slide 1 of Lesson #7 for Fire Danger Rating Areas

Lesson #7 – Fire Danger Rating Areas

Slide 1 of Lesson #8 for ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL)

Lesson #8 – ArcGIS On-Line (AGOL)

Slide 1 of Lesson #9 for Framing the Fire Occurrence

Lesson #9 – Framing the Fire Occurrence

Slide 1 of Lesson #10 for Weather Stations

Lesson #10 – Weather Stations

Slide 1 of Lesson #11 for Fire Danger Operating Procedures, Decision Classes, and Management Actions

Lesson #11 – Fire Danger Operating Procedures, Decision Classes, and Management Actions

Slide 1 of Lesson #12 for Applied Statistics for FireFamilyPlus

Lesson #12 – Applied Statistics for FireFamilyPlus

Slide 1 of Lesson #13 for FPOD Case Study

Lesson #13 – FPOD Case Study

  • Guide Lesson ​13   - Material is a Word document with a fillable discussion area for instructors.
Slide 1 of Lesson #14 for Defining Breakpoints and Thresholds

Lesson #14 – Defining Breakpoints and Thresholds

Slide 1 of Lesson #15 for Fire Preparedness Plans and their Relationship to the FDOP

Lesson #15 – Fire Preparedness Plans and their Relationship to the FDOP

Slide 1 of Lesson #16 for Case Study

Lesson #16 – Case Study

 

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) announces the recipients of the 2025 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Awards. EMC annually recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated outstanding actions or accomplishments that are above and beyond the expectation of one’s normal mission or job duties.

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

References:

2025 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

Emergency Medical Committee

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book Now Available for RAMP

Date:  June 12, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Book are now available for Ramp Manager (RAMP).

The Performance Support Package for this position was developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1, scheduled for release in January 2027.

References:

NWCG Ramp Manager Position Page

National Interagency Aviation Committee

Make an Impact: Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date:  June 11, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

Note: Positions with an * will last approximately 6 months.
Positions with ** will last 12 - 18 months.

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. IPTM aims to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model by updating position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the Fall 2026 positions listed below:

  • Equipment Manager (EQPM)*
  • Fixed Wing Parking Tender (FWPT)**
  • Mixmaster (MXMS)*
  • Public Information Officer Complex (PIOC)*
  • Retardant Crewmember (RTCM)*
  • Strike Team Leader Crew (STCR)*
  • Strike Team Leader Engine (STEN)*
  • Strike Team Leader Heavy Equipment (STEQ)*
  • Task Force Leader (TFLD)**
  • Wildland Fire Investigator (INVF)** 

Projects begin October 2026. Sign up by July 10, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for additional details. 

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters

Date:  May 28, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Risk Management Committee

The Risk Management Committee (RMC) has issued Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters. Research from 2016 to 2025 shows that 88 cases of rhabdomyolysis (rhabdo) were reported. Analysis of reports from eSafety, the Safety Management Information System (SMIS), and the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center (LLC) indicates that rhabdo is common during this time of year due to Work Capacity Tests and contributing factors such as weather, hydration, nutrition, and medication or supplement use.

RMC issued this safety bulletin to raise awareness in the Wildland Fire Community, and to provide research findings and educational resources that support reducing future cases of rhabdo.

References:

NWCG Alerts

RMC Safety Bulletin 26-001: Rhabdomyolysis in Wildland Firefighters