Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

Sub-System	Hazards	Pre-Mitigation			Mitigation	Post-Mitigation
Sub-System	Hazards	Probability	Severity	Risk Level	Mitigation	Probability	Severity	Risk Level
Training	Non standard/inconsistent	Almost Certain	Moderate	High	Utilize joint training. Train the trainer to one standard.	Possible	Moderate	Medium
Supervision	Not properly qualified for firefighting mission	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High	Ensure Spotter and firefighters adhere to existing qualifications.	Rare	Catastrophic	Medium
Supervision	Escape routes and safety zones not identified	Possible	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Ensure Spotter and ALL firefighters have knowledge and location of safety zones, and escape routes prior to fast rope deployment.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
Rappel Procedure	Non-standard procedures / policy deviation	Possible	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Frequent unscheduled inspections by HOS/check spotter/peers/SME, suspend operations until corrections are made. Violations will result in program suspension. Utilize joint training when practical. Check spotters from other bases and regions will conduct combined training. Attendance of National or Regional Rappel Spotter Workshop is mandatory every two years.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
	Non-standard verbiage, direction, and interaction between spotter and pilot during rappel operations	Almost Certain	Critical	High	Increase simulation training, mock-ups, and proficiency (especially with relief pilots). Ensure proper briefing for new/relief personnel. Develop Challenge and Response criteria between spotter and pilot. Develop CRM training specific to pilot-spotter relationship to be included in PMS 310-1.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
	Deviation from intended mission with limited information	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Obtain necessary information prior to accepting mission, obtain frequencies, contacts, coordinates, additional aircraft, known hazards, deconflict airspace, follow all FTA procedures. Ensure crew is re-briefed on new mission.	Possible	Critical	High
	Exposure to off-site landing	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Follow standard procedures (high-low recon, power checks, verify load calculations as valid, etc.) Follow risk management process. Site selection needs to be mutually agreed upon by pilot and spotter. Respond to the incident configured to rappel when appropriate.	Possible	Critical	High
Rappel Site Selection	Poor site selection	Possible	Catastrophic	Extremely High	Spotter training, develop national standard Spotter Training Handbook, CRM, depth of fire experience, minimal redcard qualification of single resource boss with ICT4 being preferred.	Unlikely	Catastrophic	High
External Cargo Letdown	Rappelers on board helicopter during delivery of cargo which translates to longer exposure to personnel during high power settings in hover	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Follow standard procedures (high-low recon, power checks, verify load calculations as valid, etc.) Follow risk management process. Site selection needs to be mutually agreed upon by pilot and spotter. Respond to the incident configured to rappel when appropriate.	Possible	Critical	High
External Cargo Letdown	Overflying highways, major population area, personnel	Possible	Critical	High	Establish and brief on proper flight paths, update maps, see and avoid, find other means for mission.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Internal Cargo Letdown	Security of Cargo without appropriate or approved hardware	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Establish minimum standard for cargo restraint straps and protective netting.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Internal Cargo Letdown	Exposure to rappelers during internal load operations due to additional weight on board the aircraft and denied living space	Almost Certain	Critical	Extremely High	Consider performing cargo operation separately. Ensure that method of securing cargo is adequate for the size and weight of the cargo in the event of an accident. When possible secure the cargo outside of the passenger compartment. Limit internal cargo weight. Require DOT approved containers for hazardous materials.	Possible	Critical	High
Emergency Procedures	Lack of adequate training / proficiency	Possible	Critical	High	Increase simulation training, utilize tower/elevated platform to increase rappeler/spotter emergency procedure proficiency, develop training which includes pilot, spotter and rappeler. Improve/update spotter/rappeler training syllabus.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium
Emergency Procedures	Non standard verbiage for mission critical / non-critical situations (Emergency vs. Non-Emergency in hover during rappel ops)	Possible	Critical	High	Increase simulation training, fund and utilize current simulators at McClellan, develop challenge/response criteria between spotter and pilot.	Unlikely	Critical	Medium

Download the Word version (docx) of this information and the Risk Assessment Matrix (pdf) to use with the Risk Assessment Worksheet (docx).

Last Modified / Reviewed: April 29, 2024

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2025-2026 Wildland Fire Leadership Campaign: "Leadership Levels" Now Available

Date: October 15, 2025
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Leadership Committee

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the Leadership Committee’s 2025–2026 Leadership Campaign, themed “Leadership Levels.” This annual initiative offers all students of leadership and wildland fire management an opportunity to engage with essential leadership skills and knowledge needed to lead effectively in dynamic environments.

The campaign is structured into four quarters and may be completed at any time between October 1, 2025 -December 31, 2026. Leadership levels will be released quarterly.

Quarter One materials are now available on the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program website and focus on Leadership Level 1, Follower (Self-Leadership).

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NWCG is pleased to announce the updated L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) course is now available. L-280 is intended for operational personnel at the Firefighter Type 1 level, and for individuals pursuing Leadership Level 2, New Leader.

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The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) has released Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use. This advisory recommends all pre-2006 fire shelters should be removed from service by January 1, 2026.

This advisory recommends firefighters and fire managers to:

Inspect fire shelters immediately
Replace and destroy any pre-2006 shelters (identified by white or pink insert label)
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References:

Equipment Advisory 25-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

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Date: Sept 11, 2025
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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.

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Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

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PMS 530-1

PMS 530-1

Operations

Rappel Risk Assessments

System: Rappel, Operations

NWCG Latest Announcements

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NWCG

National Wildfire Coordinating Group