General Updates

(9/2014) Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) Optional Training Materials Optional training materials have been developed to enhance student understanding of the Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS). Instructors who choose to use the optional materials to enhance a course should be familiar with the lesson and determine how it will be used in the course. The materials are available here: http://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml

(3/2014) Discontinuation of the Aircraft Identification Guide (NFES 2393) The Aircraft Identification Guide (NFES 2393) referenced in several NWCG course has been discontinued. If you are teaching a course that refers to the guide please refer students to the online Aircraft Identification Library located here https://www.iat.gov/docs/aircraft_library/index.asp

(7/2013) Radio Use For Training Events NIFC- National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD) has seen an increase in problems related to improper/unauthorized/uncoordinated use of radio equipment and frequencies for training events. The problems are not just lack of coordination for equipment and frequencies issued from the NIICD, but also for local agency-issued assets and frequencies. All radio equipment and radio frequency use for courses (classroom simulations, field exercises, course logistics, etc.) requires specific authorization and must be coordinated and assigned through the local agency frequency coordinator or the Communications Duty Officer at the NIFC- NIICD, as appropriate. Radio equipment and frequencies for training should be requested well in advance of course start date (at least two months) and shall be released/returned to the issuing entity upon course conclusion.

(6/2013) Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide The discontinuation of the Fireline Handbook (PMS 410-1) and Publication of the Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide (PMS 210) has affected the reference material used for several NWCG courses. In addition to some references being changed there has also been a change to several exercises, quizzes, and test questions. To assist in identifying correct reference materials the NWCG Training Branch created a spreadsheet highlighting changes and directing instructors on where to find referenced information. In addition to the spreadsheet check the course updates page prior to instructing a course to ensure the most up-to-date information is being used.