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Public Information Officer Subcommittee

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Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Public Information Officer Subcommittee (PIOSC) provides national leadership in all areas of wildland fire public information management.

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Primary Objectives

Public information officer communicating with a family.
  • Establish and regularly update incident position information related to wildland fire incident public information. This includes position standards, qualifications requirements, and performance support materials such as job aids, training courses, and position task books. Provide position input to other committees as necessary.
  • Develop wildland fire public information best practices that ensure timely, accurate and reliable information.
  • Coordinate with pertinent stakeholders and cooperators to provide all-inclusive messaging, information, assistance and subject matter expertise in wildland fire public information management.
  • Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational elements.

PIO Useful Resources

What type of PIO are you?

This graphic is designed to explain the new PIO positions and updates in 2021 and 2022; this will aid PIOs in deciding when and how to proceed with training and development.

NWCG Public Information Officer Social Media References and Guidance:

This document is intended to direct Public Information Officers and others to information and references for appropriate guidance on the use of social media. Although much of this information is agency-specific, many of the concepts and best practices referenced are broadly applicable across the wide range of incidents that public information officers support. Feedback should be directed to your PIOSC agency representative.

PIO Incident Organizer:

This document is designed to help Public Information Officers organize information for incident assignments. It includes helpful checklists and useful references.

Chair: Greene, Kerry

NWCG Coordinator: Gaskill, Steven

Parent Committee: Communication Education and Prevention Committee

Meeting Schedule:

TBD

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program