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General Updates

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General Course Updates
Update Information

(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.

Versions Affected
Varied
Support Document
Copy of PMS 210 Wildland Fire Incident Management Field Guide Impact to NWCG Courses
Support Link
http://wfdss.usgs.gov/wfdss/WFDSS_NWCG_WFDSS.shtml|,http://www.nwcg.gov/course-…
Course Number
General

NWCG Latest Announcements

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group

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