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Mental Health Subcommittee

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MHSC header graphic. Decorative. Images of firefighters overlaid on a forest fire in background. On the left positive words reflective of healthy mental state such as confidence, teamwork, friendships. On the right words indicating unhealthy stressors that may lead to poor mental health such as stress, time, expectations, no sleep, etc.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) provides national leadership in wildland firefighter mental health and wellness. The MHSC promotes and facilitates a national interagency approach to proactively identifying and addressing firefighter mental health.

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Primary Objectives

Photo of a line of wildland firefighters walking away, single file, down a path.

  • Develop NWCG guidance that enables firefighters and fire managers to recognize hazards to  mental health and wellness and take effective prevention and mitigation actions.
  • Standardize processes for collecting and analyzing data on wildland firefighter mental health and wellness.
  • Use this data to inform development of NWCG wildland firefighter mental health and wellness guidance.
  • Provide a forum for all firefighters and managers to increase their knowledge of wildland firefighter mental health issues and contribute to improvements in this area.

Additional Resources

2024 Suicide Prevention Materials

National Suicide Prevention Week
September 8-14, 2024

In the wildland fire community, we often refer to September as “Snaptember.” This is a time when we can really feel the grind of the fire season, mentally, physically, and emotionally. This month also holds a significant place as Suicide Prevention Month in the U.S. September reminds us to check in with ourselves and others and to reach out for help when needed.

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee of the Risk Management Committee remains dedicated to sharing mental health resources and information with our wildland fire community throughout the year. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together,” reflects the importance of mutual support in all aspects of our lives — at work, with family, and among friends.

Please remember that one valuable resource is the 988 Lifeline, available 24/7 for free. Whether you need immediate support or just want to talk, you can call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor. You can also call if you’re worried about someone else. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, seek emergency help by going to the nearest emergency room or calling 911.

We urge you to foster conversations about mental health and share these resources within your teams and communities. By doing so, we strengthen our collective well-being and continue to support each other through the challenges we face.

Resources are available at 988 Lifeline.

  • We all need support sometimes. Help is always available, and reaching out is a sign of strength.
  • Taking care of our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Both are vital for our overall well-being.
  • Check in on your buddies and yourself. Regular check-ins can make a significant difference.
  • It takes strength to ask for help. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need it.
  • Be the voice that gives someone hope. Your support can be a lifeline to others.
  • Be the voice that gives someone hope. Your support can be a lifeline to others.
  • Prevention starts with awareness. Be an advocate for mental health by knowing the resources available and sharing with others.

Hashtags:

#StrongerTogether #988 #SuicidePreventionMonth #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #SuicideAwareness #WildlandFirefighterMentalHealth

*If you receive messaging from someone in need of help, please refer to  Support for Suicidal Individuals as a resource.

National Suicide Prevention Week
September 10-16, 2023

As members of the wildland fire community, we can each take steps to support the wellbeing of fellow wildland firefighters and wildland fire support personnel. Together, we can prevent suicide by increasing awareness, decreasing stigma, and taking steps to care for ourselves and others.

In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, the NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee has created seven days of messaging to support wildland firefighter health and wellbeing.

We challenge you to use these materials to start a conversation about maintaining mental health and wellness with coworkers and to learn new ways of caring for yourself and others throughout the year. Each short piece takes only a few minutes to read but could provide information that makes a difference for you or someone else.

 

Chair: Givens, Alyssa

NWCG Coordinator: Lee, Sarah

Parent Committee: Risk Management Committee

Meeting Schedule:

Second Tuesday of the Month

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

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

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

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