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Long Term Fire Analyst

LTAN Incident Position Description

The Long Term Fire Analyst (LTAN) is responsible for collecting fire behavior observations and weather, fuel, and topographic data; developing strategic fire behavior information; predicting fire growth; and interpreting fire characteristics for use by incident leadership. An LTAN may provide leadership to other LTANs, Remote Automated Weather Station (RAWS) Technicians, or Technical Specialists. The LTAN reports to the Situation Unit Leader (SITL), Planning Section Chief (PSC), host unit, or decision support center and works in the Planning functional area.

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Leadership Level 3, Leader of People (Develop Intent)

  • For additional information review Level 3 description, expected behaviors and knowledge, suggested development goals, and self-study opportunities.

Prepare and Mobilize

  • Ensure individual readiness.
  • Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
  • Gather situational awareness about the fire environment.
  • Travel to an assignment and check in at the Incident Command Post (ICP).
  • Obtain an in-brief from incident leadership.

Build the Team

  • Provide leadership and ensure collaboration with assigned resources.

Perform Long Term Analyst-Specific Duties

  • Collect, assess, and monitor weather information from data sources for potential influences on fire behavior.
  • Evaluate fuel conditions and topography for potential influences on fire behavior.
  • Use spatial modeling programs to develop fire behavior outputs and products for strategic planning.
  • Interpret and communicate spatial fire behavior model outputs in a way that supports informed strategic planning decisions.
  • Assess long-term fire spread and behavior.
  • Provide fire behavior briefings to key audiences.
  • Monitor fire behavior to validate projections and forecasts.
  • Create and preserve all required fire behavior documentation.

Communicate and Coordinate

  • Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AARs).

Manage Risk

  • Anticipate, communicate, and mitigate potential impacts to personnel and the team.

Document

  • Complete all required administrative tasks and documentation.

Demobilize

  • Prepare for and implement demobilization.

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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