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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

2025/2026 Leadership Campaign Quarter 2 Now Available!

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

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

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. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1