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PMS 512

California Highway Patrol (Northern)

  • Geographic Area:
    Source:
    California Highway Patrol
    FM Radio Programmable:
    Yes
    Make & Model:

    Airbus AS350 B3

    Notes:

    Rescue is a priority, but agency will not let the helicopter be on standby for a fire rescue/medivac. Helicopters are not available when on law enforcement missions. The helicopter could be working on incident and have a delayed response. Some helicopters will not respond to mountainous terrain at night if pilot has not seen the area in daylight.

    Ordering Procedure:

    #23- Direct: 760 -240-8004/ After Hours: 760- 255-8760.
    #24- CHP Com. Center: 916-861-1299
    Air Ops. Office: 530-823-4535
    #25- Office 559-488-4121/ Dispatch 559-441-5400
    #26- Direct: 805-239-3553 / After Hours: 805-593-3344
    #27- CHP Com. Center: 530-242-3210 (24 hrs./day)/
    Air crew: 530-225-2040
    #28- Indio Dispatch 760-772-8989
    Unit request assistance when there is a medical emergency though 911 system.
    #24, 27, & 28 They can be ordered through the normal ordering process Forest/ Units have in place. No mechanism for agency payment.
    #24 & 28 – North Ops Resources #23, 25 & 26 CA Highway Patrol. #24 Can cross Nevada border for critical incidents. #26 Long-line short-haul: 1,660lb/FLIR/PA #27 Can cross Oregon border for critical rescue missions. Pilot-Sgt. Steve Young (Phone #: 503-225-2040)

    Recovery Device or Method:
    Map Location:
    Auburn, CA; Redding, CA
    Map Location Number:
    10, 11

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Date: February 13, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that the Quarter Two materials for the 2025/2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign are now available! This annual initiative invites all leadership and wildland fire management students to engage with essential skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

This quarter focuses on Leadership Level 2: New Leader (Conveying Intent). Conveying intent is a crucial leadership competency in the high-risk, dynamic environment of wildland firefighting. Months 4 - 6 will concentrate on how successfully conveying intent enhances situational awareness, promotes shared understanding, and empowers firefighters to exercise initiative and adapt to changing conditions.

References:

2025/2026 NWCG Leadership Campaign - Leadership Levels

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Leadership Committee

Opportunity to Serve the Wildland Fire Community as an IPTM SME!

Date: February 10, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: NWCG SME Specialist

NWCG is seeking experienced wildland firefighters and support personnel to serve as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for the Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM) initiative. The intent of IPTM is to transition NWCG’s training and qualification system to a performance-based model through updated position descriptions, Incident Position Standards, Next Generation Position Task Books (Next Gen PTBs), and updates to training where needed.

NWCG is currently recruiting SMEs for the following positions:

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Projects begin April/May 2026 and require 15–20 hours per month for 6–8 months, including a five-day workshop in Boise, Idaho this May. Apply by February 27, 2026, at the link below and review the attached document for details.

References:

NWCG SME Interest Sign-up

IPTM Subject Matter Expert Duties and Expectations Document

Incident Performance and Training Modernization (IPTM)

NEW! M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) Course Available Now

Date: January 29, 2026
Questions? 
Please contact: Resource Advisor Subcommittee

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M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led) training prepares students to serve as a Resource Advisor, Fireline (REAF) as defined in NWCG Incident Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112. This course presents scenarios that reflect the diverse challenges a REAF may encounter during an incident. Through these scenarios, participants gain hands-on experience and an understanding of REAF responsibilities in a controlled learning environment.

References:

Resource Advisor, Fireline Position Page

NWCG Position Standards for Resource Advisor, Fireline, PMS 350-112

M-280, Resource Advisor, Fireline (Instructor-Led)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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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