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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

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

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group