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Standards for Airtanker Base Operations Working Group

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SABOWG decorative banner. On right a group of military airmen push retardant tanks into back of airtanker. In center is a screenshot of a guide. on right is an airtanker sitting on the tarmac.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Standards for Airtanker Base Operations Working Group (SABOWG) manages the content of the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations, PMS 508, which promotes the safe, cost-efficient and effective aviation services in support of agency and interagency airtanker base operations.

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Primary Objectives

Two ground crew technicians walk toward back of aircraft dragging refueling hose.

  • Define and standardize national interagency operating procedures at airtanker bases to ensure safe and efficient operations.
  • Support fire policy through interagency coordination.
  • Facilitate the exchange of personnel from all wildland fire suppression agencies during periods of high fire activity through standardization.
  • Provide a common, interagency approach in the State, Federal, and Tribal Government’s contract related responsibilities.
  • Provide common forms, checklists, orientation outlines, and special instructions for both contractor employees (retardant supplier personnel, pilots, mechanics) and government employees at airtanker bases.
  • Provide a framework which allows each airtanker base to provide a local base supplement with site specific guidance.

Forms

Chair: Jared Bohrman

NWCG Coordinator: Schultz, Dave

Parent Committee: Airtanker Base Operations Unit

Meeting Schedule: TBD

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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.

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

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

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This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

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References:

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

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

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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.

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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
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Mental Health Subcommittee

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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.

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2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources