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PMS 425

PMS 425

PMS 425

NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts, PMS 425

1. Introduction

2. Fire Weather Forecast Variables

3. Types of Fire Weather Forecasts

4. Building a Mental Model of the Weather Forecast

NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts, PMS 425

The NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts leverages knowledge gained in S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, and S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior. This publication is designed for firefighters at all experience levels and for early- to mid-career fire weather meteorologists to guide them on the field expectations of their forecasts. Furthermore, the NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts establishes mandatory and optional fire weather forecast variables for Incident Fire Weather Forecasts as produced by Incident Meteorologists (IMETs).

The NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts supplements Agriculture Handbook 360: Fire Weather: A Guide for Application of Meteorological Information to Forest Fire Control Operations, PMS 425-1. Whereas the Agriculture Handbook 360 gives detailed information on fire weather and meteorological processes, this guidebook describes the fire weather forecast itself.

The NWCG Guide to Fire Weather Forecasts is developed and maintained by the Fire Weather Subcommittee (FWS), under the direction of the Fire Environment Committee (FENC), an entity of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).  The original content of this publication was developed through the contributions of Darren Clabo, South Dakota State Fire Meteorologist, in coordination with the FWS.

While they may still contain current or useful information, previous editions are obsolete.  The user of this information is responsible for confirming that they have the most up-to-date version.  NWCG is the sole source for the publication.

Comments, questions, and recommendations shall be submitted to the appropriate agency program manager assigned to the FWS.  View the complete roster.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Fire Weather Forecast Variables
  3. Types of Fire Weather Forecasts
  4. Building a Mental Model of the Weather Forecast
 

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NWCG Latest Announcements

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

NEW! S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal