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Fire Management Board

FMB header graphic. Decorative.

The FMB provides a mechanism for coordinated and integrated federal wildland fire program management and implementation. The Board, taking strategic policy and program direction from the Fire Executive Council, directs, coordinates and oversees the development and implementation of federal wild land fire policy and programs to provide consistent and cost-effective program management. The Board is accountable for and has the authority to coordinate federal program management and oversight.

Functions

The Board is responsible for and has the authority to:

  • Provide common, integrated implementation strategies, approaches, programs, and oversight for implementing federal wildland fire policies
  • Provide federal wildland fire program strategy, policy, budget and program recommendations to the Fire Executive Council
  • Provide recommendations on information and technology requirements, priorities, and investments to the Wildland Fire Information and Technology Executive Board
  • Provide recommendations on science and research requirements and priorities necessary to support wildland fire program management activities
  • Identify requirements and recommend priorities for standards necessary to ensure interoperability of intergovernmental wildland fire activities and operations
  • Consult with our non-federal partners
  • Develop recommendations for interagency wildland fire administrative/business support needs

Key Documents

USWDS Paragraphs

MemberRoleTitleOrganizationEmail
Ed ChristopherChairBranch Chief - Fire ManagementFWSedwin_christopher@fws.gov
Aaron BaldwinMemberDivision Chief of Wildland Fire ManagementBIAaaron.balwin@bia.gov
Joe MajewskiMemberDeputy DirectorOWFjoseph_majewski@ios.doi.gov
Jason FallonMemberWildland Fire Branch ChiefNPSJason_Fallon@nps.gov
Meagan ConryMemberDeputy Assistant DirectorBLMmconry@blm.gov
Aitor BidaburuMemberWildfire Technical AdvisorUSFAjose.bidaburu@fema.dhs.gov
Brad KoeckeritzMemberNational Unmanned Aircraft SpecialistOASbradley_koeckeritz@ios.doi.gov
Alex RobertsonMemberDeputy DirectorUSFSAlex.Robertson@usda.gov
 Adam MendoncaMemberDeputy DirectorUSFSadam.mendonca@usda.gov

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-231, Engine Boss Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) incident qualifications. 

This is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of ENGB responsibilities during wildland fire operations, emphasizing readiness, information gathering, risk management, engine tactics, and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) operations. Trainees apply these skills through scenario-based group work and an optional field day that reinforces hands-on engine operation tasks. 

References:

S-231, Engine Boss (Single Resource) (Instructor-led)

NWCG Engine Boss, Single Resource (ENGB) Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Celebrates 50 Years!

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG Executive Secretary

NWCG is proud to celebrate 50 years of service to the wildland fire community. Beginning in 1976 with an interagency agreement between the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture, NWCG has grown to include additional member agencies and is recognized as the standard-setting leader in wildland fire operations.

To honor where we’ve been and highlight where we are going, the NWCG team has created a video showcasing our history and accomplishments. The video is now available on the NWCG website.

References:

NWCG 50 Year Anniversary Video

NEW! S-131, Firefighter Type 1 Course Available Now

Date:  March 6, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal (WFLP). Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this course is a performance-based instructor-led training (ILT) that focuses on the application of situational awareness and decision making, building on the knowledge and concepts introduced in previous required courses. Using a threaded fictitious fire, each unit focuses on a performance-based activity in which students practice applying their decision-making and problem-solving skills.

The S-131, Firefighter Type 1 course is required for individuals seeking qualifications to be a Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) (FFT1) or an Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).

References:

S-131, Firefighter Type 1 (Instructor-led)

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (Squad Boss) Position Page

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Professional Reading List

Date: March 4, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: WFLDP Curriculum Management

The Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program (WFLDP) is announcing the 2026 Professional Reading List.  The goal of the annual reading list is to promote the reading and discussion of the selected books throughout the year. 

The six books chosen for this year are: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie; Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink; Meditations by Marcus Aurelious; Quiet by Susan Cain; The Little Book of Stoic Quotes by Phil Van Treuren; and The Confident Mind by Nate Zinsser.

References:

Professional Reading Program

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program