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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

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for UASD, UASM, UASL and UASP

Date: July 31, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Interagency Fire Unmanned Aircraft Systems Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for all four Unmanned Aircraft Systems positions:

  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist (UASD)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager (UASM)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader (UASL)
  • Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot (UASP)

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Data Specialist Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Manager Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Module Leader Position Page

NWCG Unmanned Aircraft Systems Pilot Position Page

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for RADO and INCM

Date: July 30, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Logistics Subcommittee
 

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Radio Operator (RADO) and Incident Communications Center Manager (INCM).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Radio Operator Position Page

NWCG Incident Communications Center Manager Position Page

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 NEW Aquatic Invasive Species – Golden Mussels

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee
 

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-004, notifying the wildland fire community about a newly discovered invasive species and actions to take if found. Golden mussels, a highly invasive species recently identified in California, pose a significant risk to native ecosystems, infrastructure, and fire equipment. These mussels rapidly colonize hard and soft surfaces, including aquatic plants and fire equipment, clogging pipes, fouling motors, disrupting water systems, and impacting native species.

To help prevent their spread, fire personnel must follow the decontamination procedures outlined in the NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444. Additionally, report any sightings immediately to your Lead Resource Advisor and include clear, close-up photos and location details.

Read the complete ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004 to learn more. 

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-004

NWCG Guide to Preventing Aquatic Invasive Species Transport by Wildland Fire Operations, PMS 444

Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books Now Available for ICT5 and FFT1

Date: July 29, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Incident Command Subcommittee
Incident Operations Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that Incident Position Standards and the Next Generation Position Task Books are now available for Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) and Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1).

The Performance Support Packages for these positions were developed as part of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization effort. These resources support trainees, qualified personnel, and evaluators in their respective roles.

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:

NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 Position Page

NWCG Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss Position Page