Skip to main content

MPHAT Evaluation for Health-Related Research Requests

MPHAT Evaluation for Health-Related Research Requests 

The Medical and Public Health Advisory Team (MPHAT) liaises with researchers to assess wildland firefighter health, safety, and well-being research to ensure that proposed studies are (1) aligned with research priorities, (2) conducted with minimal disruption to fire operations, and (3) not duplicative but contribute to the existing body of knowledge. 

Current Wildland Firefighter Health Research Priorities 

  • Effects of smoke exposure on acute, sub-acute, and long-term health
  • Effects of cumulative fatigue and sleep deprivation and optimal rest and recovery periods and impact of existing rest and recovery periods on health
  • Mental and behavioral health stressors and/or evidence-based preventative/treatment strategies
  • Chronic disease and cancer risk
  • Musculoskeletal impacts from arduous and repetitive work
  • Assessment of health effects or exposure in historically underrepresented groups in fire (i.e. Tribal firefighters and women)   

Note: These are interim priority areas. Colorado State University and USFS Rocky Mountain Research Station are currently working on a needs assessment that will clarify firefighters’ and researchers' priorities for health-focused future research. We expect our priority areas in the future to incorporate the results of this study.

Process for MPHAT Research Evaluation

Does my health-related study need MPHAT review process

This evaluation process is not intended to facilitate a rigorous review of a research project’s scientific merit, human subject protections, or address legal or labor management issues. However, the review panel will take the factors above into consideration when evaluating projects and principal investigators must address these issues prior to initiating an approved project.

Proposals will be reviewed two times per year in the spring (April) and late fall (November) for consideration. Just-in-time proposals may be reviewed on an ad hoc basis; however, MPHAT cannot guarantee the timeline for any review process, so it is recommended that principal investigators submit their request at least six months in advance of an anticipated data collection start date.

Any firefighter or supervisor can turn down participation in a research study or withdraw their participation at any time. Approval by FMB and MPHAT does not require or set up expectations of participation of fire personnel.

NWCG Latest Announcements

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

ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 New Guidance on Laundering Wildland Fire Clothing to Reduce Contamination

Date: Aug 8, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 Risk Management Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) and the Risk Management Committee (RMC) have issued Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing. Recent research revealed that wildland fire flame-resistant pants and shirts can be contaminated with chemicals from combustion byproducts, including carcinogens, and that common laundering practices can effectively remove these harmful contaminants from wildland firefighter clothing more effectively than previously understood. It is recommended to decontaminate wildland fire clothing as frequently as possible. 

Frequently Asked Questions about this new information and how to implement recommendations can be found on the NWCG Alerts page. Read the complete ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin: 25-001 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Safety Bulletin: 25-001

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing

Equipment Technology Committee

Risk Management Committee