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Fire Prevention Education Team Member

PETM Incident Position Description

The Fire Prevention Education Team Member (PETM) assists with developing and implementing a comprehensive fire prevention program on a district, region, state, or multi-state level to reduce human-caused wildfires. The program includes components of education, engineering, enforcement, and administration. The PETM reports to a Fire Prevention Education Team Leader (PETL) or Agency Administrator and works in the Prevention and Investigation functional area.

Leadership Level 1, Follower (Provide Action)

  • For additional information review Level 1 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Obtain and assemble information and materials needed for assignment.
  • Ensure proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and attire/uniform requirements are communicated to team prior to deployment.
  • Gather critical information relevant to the assignment including cultural, social, and political considerations. Be sensitive to local communication needs and styles.
  • Travel to and check in with incident supervisor and/or dispatch when arriving at the incident.
  • Obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

  • Obtain work area, supplies, and communications equipment necessary to complete assignment.
  • Participate in operational briefings as directed.
  • Share knowledge of fire prevention processes as appropriate with trainees.
  • Establish and maintain positive interpersonal and interagency working relationships.
  • Identify and anticipate staffing needs and request additional resources and/or replacements as needed.

Perform Fire Prevention Education Team Member-Specific Duties

  • Complete research on fire history data, current fire causes, cultural, and census information to assist the PETL in developing a strategic communication plan with key messages.
  • Provide logistical support for all team activities when needed.
  • Meet with a wide range of cooperators, partners, citizens, and public land users such as agency prevention personnel, Incident Management Teams (IMT), local fire departments, and key community leaders to discuss fire prevention issues and strategies.
  • Deliver persuasive fire prevention programs and messages to target audiences.
  • Research and utilize existing products, such as those on the Fire Prevention Education Team (FPET) Digital Library. Prepare and produce additional accessible prevention products according to Section 508 standards. Ensure new material is uploaded for approval and use on the FPET Digital Library.
  • Work with regional and local traditional and social media platforms to communicate fire causes, fire weather, and fire/fuel conditions in creative ways to get the wildfire prevention message out to the public.
  • Carry out wildfire prevention patrol or trap-line activities as appropriate.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Assist in preparation for briefings and presentations at agency and community meetings.
  • Assist the Public Information Officer (PIO) with media outreach and updates.
  • Assist with the preparation of a final report documenting the FPET’s accomplishments, methods, and recommendations.
  • Participate in functional area briefings and After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461:
    • Identify Hazards.
    • Assess Hazards.
    • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions.
    • Implement Controls.
    • Supervise and Evaluate.
  • Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for yourself and those around you.
  • Report all accidents or injuries to incident supervisor.

Document

  • Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Assist with tracking budget and salary expenses

Demobilize

  • Complete the demobilization checkout process before being released from the incident.
  • Upon demobilization, report status to home unit including reassignment or estimated time of arrival (ETA) to home unit.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

  • Aircraft Timekeeper (ATIM)
  • Compensation/Claims Unit Leader (COMP)
  • Cost Unit Leader (COST)
  • Crew Representative (CREP)
  • Deck Coordinator (DECK)
  • Fire Effects Monitor (FEMO)
  • Field Observer (FOBS)
  • Geographic Information System Specialist (GISS)
  • Ordering Manager (ORDM)
  • Receiving/Distribution Manager (RCDM)
  • Staging Area Manager (STAM)

Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

NWCG is pleased to announce the new M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) course is now available. This training supports individuals working towards Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) incident qualifications.

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Date: January 23, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

The Incident and Position Standards Committee has updated the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1.

These updates address changes to incident position names and requirements for qualification, training, and experience. Updates related to the implementation of Complex Incident Management (CIM) and Incident Performance Training Modernization (IPTM) are also included.

The NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308 has also been updated to reflect the recent changes.

References:

NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Position Qualifications, PMS 310-1

NWCG Wildland Fire Position Qualification Flowchart, PMS 308

IPSC Memo 26-01: January 2026 Updates to the NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Positions Qualifications, PMS 310-1

Incident Business Committee Memo 26-01: Updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297

Date: January 22, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Incident Business Committee

The Incident Business Committee (IBC) has released Memorandum 26-01: OF 297 and 2026 Fire Use. This memo informs the wildland fire community that the updated Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket, OF 297 is available for download and can be ordered through the Great Basin Cache.

Beginning January 15, 2026 the previous version of the OF 297 form has been discontinued.

For further details, please contact your IBC representative.

References:

Incident Business Committee Memorandum 26-01

Great Basin Cache