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National Aerial Firefighting Academy Unit and Steering Committee

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NAFAU decorative banner. Students sitting at table on left, a pilot in cockpit in center, and a single engine airtanker dropping retardant on right.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The National Aerial Firefighting Academy consists of three courses: NAFA I, NAFA II, and NAFA III. The courses are conducted by agency and industry professionals directly involved in wildland fire operations for personnel specializing in aerial retardant and water delivery (i.e., Airtanker, Helicopter, Single Engine Airtanker, Scoopers, Lead Plane and Aerial Supervision Operators). The NAFA Steering Committee’s purpose is to promote, organize, and provide content/instruction for the courses.

The intent of the NAFA training courses is to provide participants with information needed to work together in a safe and effective manner in the congested airspace over a wildland fire incident. The primary objective is to provide training in basic wildland firefighting operations and tactical considerations. The courses provide a look into the “other pilot's” job giving an important perspective needed to achieve the same goal, which is to support the firefighters on the ground with aerial resources safely, effectively, and efficiently

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  • Enhance aviation safety of agency and contract personnel by providing training in basic wildland firefighting operations through integration of standardized interagency tactics and operational procedures. Information is presented, and a test of knowledge will be administered prior to granting a certificate of completion.
  • Provide national level intent and emphasis regarding aviation policy and procedures. NAFA itself does not create policy or procedures. Rather, it promotes the standards accepted and approved by agencies (i.e., US Forest Service (USFS) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM)).
  • Provide instruction to meet the following objectives:
    • Understand operations and communications within the Fire Traffic Area to safely support the ground firefighters.
    • Increase aerial firefighting knowledge by integrating tactics, operations, and coordination of various resources to enhance their effectiveness and safety.
    • Have a basic understanding of ground and aerial wildland firefighting to include dispatching, fire terminology, airbase operations, human factors, fire behavior and the Incident Command System.
    • Improve knowledge of fire policies put forth by NWCG, drop patterns, coverage levels, strategies, techniques, and factors influencing aerial application on wildland fire.

Chair: Parker Lucas

NWCG Coordinator: Schultz, Dave

Parent Committee: Interagency Airtanker and Scooper Operations Subcommittee

Meeting Schedule: TBD

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NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
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Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552