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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

2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” 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.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

  • Inspect fire shelters immediately
  • Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal