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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: Schultz, Dave

Parent Committee: National Interagency Aviation Committee

Meeting Schedule:

TBD

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) Now Available

Date: Aug 14, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Interagency Helicopter Operations Subcommittee

The S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) is now available. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) incident qualifications. 

S-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components. This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of the HECM position, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Helicopter Crewmember, PMS 350-22.

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-271, Helicopter Crewmember (Blended)

NWCG Helicopter Crewmember (HECM) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for FBAN and LTAN

Date: Aug 13, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) and Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst Page