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Rollout Workshop Goals and Objectives, NFDRS

NFDRS header graphic. Decorative.

Rollout Workshop Goals

  • Update users on the new science.
  • Improve the use of the National Fire Danger Rating System through standardized interagency applications of the system.
  • Build a strong, interagency collaborative effort at all levels to engage in the full rollout plan as outlined.
  • Work with interagency partners to achieve a “a safe and effective fire response" identified as a goal of Cohesive Strategy.
  • Work with “the best available science” identified as a goal of Cohesive Strategy.
  • Increase internal and external awareness and understanding of NFDRS2016.
  • Share expected impacts and benefits related to the implementation and simplification of the system.
  • Set expectations for NFDRS system training, support, analysis, and evaluation to ensure consistent national deployment and within the ten geographic areas.

Rollout Workshop Objectives

  • Rollout Workshops will provide local units with training on the new science who leave with an updated interagency operational plan that responds to planned and unplanned ignitions based on the best available science and consistent interagency applications.
  • Ensure all jurisdictions participate in making and implementing risk based wildfire management decisions using the best available science.
  • Roll out the NFDRS2016 model embedded in Fire Danger Operating Plan in a modular style delivered to allow flexibility for interagency NFDRS users including for those who only desire to have updates on the NFDRS2016 model.
  • Encouraged all agencies with wildland responsibilities to participate in the full rollout process, including the workshops.
  • Ensure all audiences are aware of changes to NFDRS, timelines and progress of the NFDRS2016 deployment, and impacts on NFDRS outputs and products.
  • Provide a range of NFDRS information sharing and learning opportunities for internal NFDRS users at all levels within the wildland fire organization.
  • Provide avenues for user comments, reporting of implementation problems, and feedback from field testing and evaluation in order to address application bugs, issues and/or concerns with clear, timely, and easily accessible information.
  • Provide consistent and updated NFDRS information messaging using this web page through the NFDRS2016 deployment, transition, and decommissioning of NFDRS1978 and 1988 systems.
  • Provide a national cadre of NFDRS2016 subject matter experts to support NFDRS testing, training, troubleshooting, and NFDRS product development and review especially in the areas of fire danger operating plans and pocket cards.

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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 January 2026.

References:

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) 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 January 2026.

References:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee