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Smoke Committee

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Smoke header graphic. Image of heavy, billowing smoke from fires below in mountains with SMoC logo on left. Decorative.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Smoke Committee (SmoC) provides national leadership in smoke and air resource management pertinent to wildland fire management. The SmoC develops and disseminates strategies and guidance to help member agencies and partners effectively, efficiently, and consistently manage smoke within their fire and fuels programs. The SmoC provides a forum for air resource and wildland fire management leaders to address technical, regulatory and policy issues related to planned and unplanned fire emissions and air quality impacts on firefighter and public safety and health.

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Primary Objectives

Heavy smoke and flames billow into air from fires in a valley below. Decorative

  • Improve communication and understanding of the interface of wildland fire management and air quality.
  • Develop consistent recommendations for wildland fire management which account for the air quality impacts of planned and unplanned ignition for NWCG member agencies.
  • For SmoC products, seek consensus and mutual benefit to member agencies and partners when possible, but include full range of discussion and viewpoints if consensus is not achieved.
  • Assess and advance technical products and training to build wildland fire management field capabilities relative to smoke management. This includes addressing air quality impacts of planned and unplanned ignitions, and meeting environmental rules, regulations, guidelines.
  • Promote coordination and collaboration between agencies, programs and partners.
  • Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational elements.

 

In recognition of the significance of air quality effects from wildland fire and the need for policies, guidance, information and greater coordination, the Smoke Committee was initially created in 2003 by the Wildland Fire Leadership Council. Committee membership reflects this in that it includes a broad array of agencies, programs and partners representing land managers, air quality regulators, nongovernmental organizations, states, Tribal, local and private interests that are not directly affiliated with the NWCG member agencies.

Emissions and Smoke Portal

For more information please go to the Emissions and Smoke Portal found on the Fire Research and Management Exchange System (FRAMES) website at  https://www.frames.gov/partner-sites/emissions-and-smoke/smoke-portal-home/

The Emissions and Smoke Portal brings together information, documents, websites, and training materials on smoke management and air quality. The information provided here reflects the efforts of the NWCG Smoke Committee to provide interagency leadership, coordination, and integration of air resources and fire management objectives to support overall land management goals. It also reflects efforts of the University of Idaho to provide the best available science and information for land management professionals to apply in their work.

Webinars 

FRAMES - Fire Research and Management Exchange System - FRAMES strives to provide a convenient, systematic exchange of information and technology within the wildland fire research and management community.

Protecting Wildfire Personnel from Smoke - How Incident Management Teams Address Smoke Risks

Time: 30:11

Chair: Pete Lahm

NWCG Coordinator: Schultz, Dave

Parent Committee:

Meeting Schedule: Every other Thursday

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources