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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: Jager, Justin

NWCG Coordinator:

Parent Committee: National Interagency Aviation 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