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RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR)

RT-130 Decorative banner. Group of photos depicting wildland firefighters performing various duties.

Helispot Management – A Skill for All Firefighters

Any firefighter may assist with helispot operations, even if they are not on a helicopter crew. Explore what it means to be a Helispot Manager so you can contribute to safe and efficient helispot operations.
Category: Aviation
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes
Video Length: 11:14

Intent

Review helispot construction specifications, discuss Helispot Manager duties, and explore job aids/other references which help every firefighter contribute to safe and efficient helispot operations.

Facilitator Preparation

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using the activity and discussion questions.

Discussion Questions

  1. Refer to the Aviation (blue) section of the IRPG.
    1. Discuss three factors to consider when selecting a helicopter landing area.
    2. What helicopter type are you most likely to encounter this season (Type 1, Type 2, or Type 3)? Describe the minimum safety circle and touchdown pad dimensions for the appropriate helicopter type.
    3. What are three items needed for safe operations at any helispot?
    4. How far should you clear trees and brush in the takeoff/landing approach for a one-way helispot? For a two-way helispot?
  2. Helispot Managers must always be qualified Helicopter Crewmembers (HECM), but any firefighter may be asked to assist with helispot operations.
    1. Review the list of Helispot Manager Duties and Responsibilities in NWCG Standards for Helicopter Operations, PMS 510.
    2. Identify actions on the list you may be asked to assist with and discuss how you can contribute to safe and efficient helispot operations.

Optional Scenario – Latitude and Longitude Conversion for Air Operations

  1. There are different formats for latitude and longitude coordinates. Degrees Minutes Seconds (ddd⁰ mm’ ss.s”) is the most common format used on maps. Degrees Decimal Minutes (ddd⁰ mm.mmm’) is used by aircraft guidance systems. As described in the video, incident personnel should use Degrees Decimal Minutes when communicating with air resources. Firefighters should be proficient in converting between latitude/longitude formats.
    1. To convert from Degrees Minutes Seconds to Degrees Decimal Minutes, divide the seconds by 60 to get the decimal minutes.
      1. For example:      48° 20' 30”    →       30” ÷ 60 = .5’ →     48° 20.5'
    2. To convert Degrees Decimal Minutes to Degrees Minutes Seconds, multiply the decimal (.5) by 60 to get the seconds.
      1. For example:      48° 20.5'      →       .5’ x 60 = 30” →     48° 20' 30"
    3. Practice converting from one format to the other using the example coordinates at 5:13 in the video. Hint: The coordinates in the video are the same location in different formats.
    4. For additional information on Latitude and Longitude Coordinate Formats and Conversion, refer to Basic Land Navigation, PMS 475.

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 1.18 GB) with .srt file for closed captioning (you may need to right click and Save As). For information on how to add closed captioning to a video, see this how to page.
  • Note: For Chrome, Firefox, and Edge, right click the word download and select Save Link As; For IE, right click and select Save Target As.

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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
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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