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Fire Assessment: A Process to Follow

  1. Before an Assignment
  2. Assigned and Enroute
  3. On Scene Fire Assessment
  4. Determine Decision Thresholds to Ensure LCES
  5. Document Your Assessment

What Makes a Good Analyst (Mark Finney...FBSC YouTube Video)

Time: 07:19

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Before an Assignment

  • Evaluate Weather Forecasts and Outlooks
  • Consider local climatology and critical fire weather patterns
  • Review area Pocket Cards and current season severity
  • Review yesterday’s fire activity and notable fire behavior

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Assigned and Enroute

  • Get on scene weather reports from yesterday, overnight and current conditions
  • Assess maps and photos of the fire area with current perimeters and recent activity
  • Ask for Spot Forecast and confer with fire weather forecaster
  • Interpret sky and smoke conditions for stability, wind speed and direction, and burning intensity.

 

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On Scene Fire Assessment

  • Request current weather observation and validate your forecast. Is your fireline exposed to or sheltered from the expected winds?
  • Get a picture of current fire activity level.
  • Anticipate today’s next big changes. Do you anticipate changes? When?
  • Characterize fuels (fuel types, loadings, moistures) adjacent to your fire, especially where folks are working and where fire could move.
  • Inventory of significant terrain features ahead of the fire. Will it burn upslope or down?
  • Continue to monitor the sky for cloud and smoke indicators.
  • Estimate the fire behavior you anticipate in view of the current situation and the expected changes. What spread rates do you anticipate? What flame lengths? Do you anticipate crown fire? Spotting across your lines or long range?

 

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Determine Decision Thresholds to Ensure LCES

  • Determine time frames for escape to safety and escape routes. What windspeeds or changes in fire behavior will render those time frames insufficient?
  • Identify best locations and methods for lookout to monitor and validate your assessment.
  • Ensure that weather and fire behavior observations are communicated to the entire crew.
  • Will fatigue and logistics factors impact these decisions?

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Document Your Assessment

  • Record your observations and assumptions.
  • Use worksheets and include notes for each assessment.
  • Include assessments and decisions in personal logs.
  • Remember: If you’re not keeping score, it’s just practice.

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NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) Now Available

Date: Sept 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fuels Management Committee 

The S-219, Firing Operations (Blended) course is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. Developed through the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) effort, this training supports individuals working towards Firing Boss, Single Resource (FIRB) incident qualifications.

This blended course combines online and instructor-led training to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to perform the duties of the FIRB, as described in the NWCG Incident Position Standards for Firing Boss, Single Resource, PMS 350-105.

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:

S-219, Firing Operations (Blended)

NWCG Firing Boss, Single Resource Position Page

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

NWCG Committees Observe Suicide Prevention Awareness Week: September 7-13, 2025

Date: Sep 5, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Mental Health Subcommittee

The NWCG Mental Health Subcommittee (MHSC) and Risk Management Committee (RMC) recognize the unique challenges and demands faced by the wildland fire community. The MHSC and RMC know that we are all stronger together and believe in fostering a culture of support, understanding, and resilience.

Suicide Prevention Awareness encourages us to actively connect with and support each other. For more information that could make a difference for yourself or someone else please review the materials and resources provided for the 2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week.

References:

2025 Suicide Prevention Awareness Week Materials and Resources

NEW! Incident Performance and Training Modernization Story Map Now Available

Date: Aug 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
National Wildfire Coordinating Group

NWCG is excited to announce the launch of the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) Story Map, a new interactive resource that showcases how NWCG is transforming wildland fire training and qualifications through a performance-based system.

Since its launch in 2023, IPTM has made major strides in updating how we manage incident positions:

  • 36 incident positions now have new Incident Position Standards and Next Generation Position Task Books available for field use
  • 6 more incident positions are nearing completion
  • 111 total incident positions are being analyzed through the IPTM initiative

The Story Map guides you through the IPTM process, highlights key accomplishments, and outlines what’s ahead. Whether you are a trainer or a trainee, this tool offers valuable insight into the modernization effort shaping the future of wildland fire training and qualifications.

This effort would not be possible without the contributions of NWCG staff, NWCG committees, and hundreds of subject matter experts across the wildland fire community.

References:

IPTM Story Map

Incident Performance and Training Modernization Webpage

NEW! S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) Available Now

Date: Aug 15, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal. S-290 (Blended) training combines online training and instructor-led training components that support individuals working towards any Single Resource Boss or Fire Effects Monitor incident qualifications.

This second course in the series collectively serves to develop fire behavior prediction knowledge and skills, and provides more detailed information on fuels, weather, and topography that affect wildland fire behavior for safety purposes.

Students are required to finish the prerequisite S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, before enrolling in S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended).

References:

S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (Blended)

S-190, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior

Wildland Fire Learning Portal