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Model UsedCFFBP Van Wagner (1977) Modeling SystemSurface Fire Control Finney (1998) Modeling SystemCrown Fire Control Scott and Reinhardt (2001) Modeling System
Surface FireVan Wagner (1977) Integrated, empirical modelRothermel (1972)Rothermel (1972)
Crown Fire SpreadVan Wagner (1977) Integrated, empirical modelRothermel (1991)Rothermel (1991)
Crown Fire (Torching) Initiation Threshold Spread RateVan Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)
Active Crown Fire Propagation Threshold Spread RateVan Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)
Methods AppliedCFFBP Van Wagner (1977)Surface Fire Control Finney (1998)Crown Fire Control Scott and Reinhardt (2001)
Surface FireVan Wagner (1977) Integrated, empirical modelRothermel (1972)Rothermel (1972)
Crown Fire SpreadVan Wagner (1977) Integrated, empirical modelRothermel (1991)Rothermel (1991)
Crown Fire (Torching) Initiation Threshold Spread RateVan Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)
Active Crown Fire Propagation Threshold Spread RateVan Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)Van Wagner (1977)
Crown Fraction BurnedNatural Log function based on the difference between estimated spread rate and Initiation Threshold spread rate. 90% when estimated spread rate is 10m/min greater than Initiation Threshold spread rate.Natural log function based on the difference between the estimated surface spread rate and the Initiation Threshold rate. 0.9 when surface spread rate reaches 90% of difference between Initiation Threshold and Active Propagation threshold.Proportionally intermediate between 0 (surface fire) and 1.0 (active Crown Fire) based on input windspeed and where it falls between windspeeds at Initiation Threshold and Active Propagation Threshold spread rates.
Passive Crown Fire SpreadIntegrated within basic spread model for conifer & mixedwood fuel types. Fire type designated as Passive based on estimated Crown fraction Burned (see below).Surface Fire spread rate plus any spotting spread.Based on Crown Fraction Burned (CFB). Proportionally intermediate between surface spread rate and Active Propagation threshold, based on crown fraction burned plus any spotting spread.
Final Spread Rate with Active Crown FireIntegrated within basic spread model for conifer & mixedwood fuel types Fire type designated as Passive based on estimated Crown fraction Burned (see below).Proportionally intermediate between surface spread rate and Rothermel 1991 Model based on Crown Fraction Burned. Generally, less than half of Rothermel model rate.Spread Rate estimated directly from Rothermel 1991 crown fire spread model.
Fire IntensityByram (1959)Byram (1959) for Surface
Thomas (1963) for Crown		Byram (1959) for Surface
Thomas (1963) for Crown
Fire Type:
Surface
Passive
Active		Based on Crown Fraction Burned
<0.1 = surface
0.1 to <0.9 = passive
.9 to 1.0 = active		Based on Crown Fire Initiation and Propagation thresholds (see above)
Surface if ROS < Init. Criteria
Active if ROS > Active Crit.
Passive Between		Based on Crown Fire Initiation and Propagation thresholds (see above)
Surface if ROS < Init. Criteria
Active if ROS > Active Crit.
Passive Between
USWDS Paragraphs

NWCG Latest Announcements

2025 Week of Remembrance

Date: June 27, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
6 Minutes for Safety Subcommittee

As we approach the 2025 Week of Remembrance (WOR), June 30–July 6, we dedicate this time to reflect on the past incidents from 2015 and honor the fallen through learning. Since its inception in 2014, WOR has honored wildland firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while encouraging critical discussions that reinforce lessons learned.

Throughout the week, we encourage thoughtful and generative conversations—whether in briefing rooms or at tailgates—that promote a culture of continuous learning and safety.

References:

2025 Week of Remembrance: Letter to Leadership

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003 Flame-Resistant Shirt Survey

Date: June 12, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The U.S. Forest Service National Technology and Development Program (NTDP) is seeking input on the Forest Service-designed flame-resistant (FR) shirt, currently available through the National Interagency Support Cache system and FedMall.

NTDP is conducting a product review to improve future FR shirt designs. As part of this effort, a short survey is now open for federal employees who have worn any of three recent FR shirt models. Feedback will guide design improvements to better meet the needs of wildland firefighters.

To comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act, responses are limited to federal employees. The survey is open through September 12, 2025. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-003

NEW! S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended) Now Available

Date: June 10, 2025
If you have questions, please visit our FAQ page. 
If your question is not answered there, you can 
submit your question using our Contact Us form. 
 

The S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended), equips new wildland firefighters with essential skills through a mix of online learning and hands-on training. The course features a required online component and an instructor-led exercise, reinforcing online concepts with practical performance-based training.

The course builds competencies in wildland fire operations, safety, and equipment use, applicable across various operational environments. Both the online component and instructor-led field exercise must be completed to receive a certificate of completion. Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended).

References:

S-130, Firefighter Training (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552