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Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee

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IFUASS header graphic. Photo of a drone flying through dense smoke. Inset photos of female firefighter standing at a UAS helipad, and the other of a UAS specialist sitting in front of a bank of computer screens reading data. Decorative.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee (IFUASS) provides national leadership to develop and disseminate guidance on the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in wildland fire management operations.

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Primary Objectives

UAS specialist monitoring data on handheld device.

  • Enable safe, effective and efficient UAS operations in the wildland fire management environment by developing and disseminating comprehensive wildland fire related UAS guidance. Include standards for UAS utilization, performance, risk management, qualifications, training, and equipment.
  • Provide coordinated and unified UAS subject matter expertise to NIAC and the NWCG member agencies.
  • Serve as a focal point for interagency wildland fire UAS operational initiatives, proposals, and issues.
  • Identify and evaluate UAS related problems; develop and propose solutions.
  • Solicit input from operations and management personnel on UAS related issues.

Guidance Documents

NWCG

DOI

FAA

Other

Incident Toolbox

Coordinator

The Interagency UAS coordinator is available to answer questions, provide guidance, and assist with UAS ordering.  For inquiries about day-to-day operations and training, please call 208-387-5335.  More information is available at the NIFC UAS website.

Operations

Operations information is available at the NIFC UAS website including

Aerial Ignition

UAS aerial ignition is approved for interagency use in support of wildland fire (wildfire and prescribed fire).

  • UAS aerial Ignition is conducted by authorized agency personnel in accordance with DOI, USFS, OAS, and NWCG policy/standards.
  • UAS agency aerial ignition personnel possess the UASP or UASP (T) qualification in IQCS/IROC.  They are also carded to operate the aerial ignition payload by OAS.
  • UAS aerial ignition personnel work for the FIRB or designee.
  • UAS utilized for aerial ignition are carded by OAS.
  • UAS aerial ignition payloads are developed through the IFUAS Subcommittee and Aerial Ignition Unit.
  • UAS aerial ignition is ordered through established dispatch process.  A typical order is two UASP.  Special Needs:  Aerial Ignition qualified personnel equipped with M600/Ignis 2 and kit.

CONTACT - the UAS Coordinator (fire) to discuss UAS Aerial Ignition or the ordering process. 208-387-5335.

References

Job Aids

Program Updates

Current UAS Fire Mission/Data Examples are available on the NIFC UAS website.

Systems and Availability

Current systems information is available on the NIFC UAS website.

Training

The UAS Training Unit exists to serve the training and workforce development needs of the wildland fire UAS community.  When available, information on training courses will located on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

References

 

UAS Guide Terms and Abbreviations 

UAS Intrusion Protocol (pages 20-22)

Chair: Justin Jager

NWCG Coordinator: Dave Schultz

Parent Committee: National Interagency Aviation Committee

Meeting Schedule: TBD

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

Date: May 14, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Fire Use Subcommittee

The updated NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431 serves as a supplemental resource for wildland fire module operations, providing information frequently used in the field.

PMS 431 defines the organizational structure, staffing, and qualifications for Type 1 and Type 2 Wildland Fire Modules, outlining their roles in wildland fire suppression, prescribed fire, and resource management. The NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431, should be used in conjunction with the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430.

References:

NWCG Guide for Wildland Fire Modules, PMS 431

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430

Updated NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 Now Includes Off-Highway Vehicle Typing Standards

Date: May 13, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Mobile Fire Equipment Subcommittee 

The NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 has been updated to include newly developed Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) typing standards. These standards organize OHV information into logical categories and outline key safety requirements for occupants.

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200 establishes minimum typing standards for aircraft, crews, and equipment used in national mobilization to wildland fire incidents. Typing designations are assigned based on measurable capability and performance criteria.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Resource Typing, PMS 200

NEW! S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers Now Available

Date: May 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Risk Management Committee

The S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers self-directed online course is now available! Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) incident qualifications.

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers focuses on facilitating hazard mitigation conversations and building trust to influence safety-related decisions. Individuals can self-enroll through the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP).

Any changes to qualification pathways will take effect with the next update of the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

References:

S-204, Interpersonal and Critical Thinking Skills for Safety Officers 

NWCG Safety Officer, Field (SOFF) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Great Basin Cache Upgrading to New Inventory System

Date: May 7, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Great Basin Cache
Phone: (208) 387-5104
Fax: (208) 387-5573

The Great Basin Cache (GBK) is transitioning to a new inventory system to better serve the wildland fire community. During this upgrade, GBK will be unable to process standard orders from Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment and Part 2: Publications between May 8-20, 2025, with exceptions made for emergency fire orders. Orders will be accepted through close of business May 7.

To browse the latest available items, please refer to the National Fire Equipment System (NFES) catalogs. 

References:

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 1: Fire Supplies and Equipment, PMS 449-1

NWCG NFES Catalog-Part 2: Publications, PMS 449-2