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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

Quarter Three Materials for the 2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign Now Available

Date:  April 1, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that Quarter Three materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available. This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

Quarter Three materials focus on Leadership Level 3: Leader of People (Develop Intent). Leadership Level 3 is where your values, your team, and your influence come together. Leaders of People put their teams first, build trust, and lead with authenticity. They mentor future leaders and shape decisions up and down the chain.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

WFSTAR 2026 Core Components Module Package and 2025 Fire Year in Review Now Available

Date:  March 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Joe Schindel

The 2026 Core Components Module Package for RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) and the 2025 Fire Year in Review are now available on the NWCG website. The 2026 Core Components Module Package provides all content needed to deliver RT-130.

References:

2026 Core Components Module Package

2025 Fire Year in Review Module

NEW! S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date:  March 17, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce that the new S-490, Advanced Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended), 2026 course is now available.

This training includes performance-based activities that allow students to apply the knowledge and concepts required for the Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN), Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN), and Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) positions. It supports individuals working towards these incident qualifications.

This blended course begins with a self-paced online training (OLT) in the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP), followed by an in-person instructor-led training (ILT).

References:

S-490, Advanced Fire Calculations (Blended)

NWCG Fire Behavior Analyst (FBAN) Position Page

NWCG Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) Position Page

NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 1 (RXB1) Position Page

2024 Paul Gleason Award Winners Announced

Date:  March 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

The NWCG Leadership Committee is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Paul Gleason "Lead By Example" awards. Award categories include Initiative and Innovation, Mentoring and Teamwork, Motivation and Vision, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Congratulations to the awardees:

  • Justin Baxter, National Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Operations Specialist, with the U.S. Forest Service — Initiative and Innovation
  • Kelly Woods, Director of the Wildland Firefighting Lessons Learned Center — Mentoring and Teamwork
  • Doug Booster, Instructor, ProHealth Net, Inc. — Motivation and Vision
  • Pam McDonald, Writer-Editor for the National Interagency Fire Center — Lifetime Achievement Award

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP)

Leadership Committee