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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 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