Skip to main content

RT-130 (WFSTAR)

WFSTAR Overview

WFSTAR Catalog

Course Delivery Information

Core Components

2024 Fire Year in Review

2025 Core Components Module Package

Target Audience

FAQ

Historical Modules (Archived)

 

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

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

Point Fire Immersive

Explore the Point Fire module for a unique perspective of the 1995 Point Fire, located near Kuna, Idaho. Immerse yourself in expert interviews supplemented by aerial footage and 360-degree video for an experience second only to physically attending the Point Fire staff ride.
Category: Case Studies
Core Component(s):
Incident Reviews and Lessons Learned, Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 30 minutes per stand
Video Length: n/a

Screen shot of the Point Fire Immersive presentation

Point Fire Immersive Presentation

Intent

Explore the Point Fire module for a unique perspective of the 1995 Point Fire, located near Kuna, Idaho. Immerse yourself in expert interviews supplemented by aerial footage and 360-degree video for an experience second only to physically attending the Point Fire staff ride.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the Intent, Site Navigation, and Background Information sections.
  • Consider delivering one stand each day as part of a morning briefing.
  • Consider additional activities and discussion questions pertinent to your location and agency.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the videos.
  • Facilitate a small or large group discussion using discussion questions and points posed in the videos.

Discussion Questions

  1. Stand 1 – Discussion Questions
    • At the time of the Point Fire, coordination between agency resources and cooperators during wildfire response was inconsistent.
      • How has the relationship between agency resources and cooperators evolved since this incident?
      • What actions do you take to enhance cooperation and coordination with your adjacent resources? Where can you improve?
    • The Point Fire was initially contained at 120 acres but blew up during mop up operations when a cold front passed over the area.
      • How do you maintain and communicate situational awareness through all stages of fire suppression efforts?
      • How do you combat complacency during mop up operations?
  2. Stand 2 – Discussion Questions
    • The wildland fire environment is dynamic and unforgiving. Often, we are inundated by time constraints and unanticipated factors requiring immediate action.
      • How do you recognize the need to take a tactical pause when you find yourself challenged by compounding factors?
      • How do you regain your situational awareness and re-engage?
    • Communication is a two-way dialogue between sender and receiver. The Red Flag Warning was not heard or acknowledged by all resources on scene.
      • How can you ensure your crew members communicate critical information or listen to and acknowledge the message?
      • As a leader on the fireline, how do you ensure all resources on your division or incident listen to and acknowledge critical information?
  3. Stand 3 – Discussion Questions
    • Fire suppression knowledge and skills are learned through experience.
      • How can less experienced crew members be given learning opportunities where they can be safe and successful?
      • How can more experienced firefighters provide practical mentorship to newer crew members throughout the fire season?
    • Subject matter expert interviews note that even as second-year firefighters, they recognized key weather observations and understood potential fire behavior impact.
      • Identify specific weather indicators every firefighter must monitor using the Look Up, Down and Around reference in your NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461.
      • Discuss three additional indicators which will help you maintain awareness of fire environment factors Using the Look Up, Down and Around.
  4. Stand 4 – Discussion Questions
    • The culture of wildland firefighting includes stigmas that may impact individual decision-making. Examples include taking undue risks to protect equipment for fear of reprimand or hesitation to deploy a shelter due to pursuant investigations.
      • Describe additional examples that you have encountered.
      • How can we promote growth and foster acceptance rather than advance stigmas?
    • Firefighters may experience long term fatigue differently throughout the fire season. Individuals may experience physical, mental, and emotional responses.
      • What can you do to be prepared for the next shift, individually and as a crew?
      • How can you maintain morale, physical and mental health, and personal relationships, etc.?
  5. Stand 5 – Discussion Questions
    • Current firefighting culture promotes empowering employees with the concept of "see it, say it" regarding hazards.
      • How do you ensure all crew members are able to speak up?
      • How can you respectfully call out hazards as a new crew member?
      • How can you, as a leader, respectfully respond to crew members speaking up?
  6. Lessons Learned – Discussion Questions
    • The many lessons learned from the Point Fire came at the cost of human life.
      • What was your biggest take-away from the Point Fire module?
  • What is one practical change you will implement starting now based on this training?

Resources

Additional Viewing Information

This module must be viewed online on the ESRI StoryMaps platform. Downloading is not an option.

Please Provide Feedback

Indicates required field

NWCG values your constructive input and we thank you for taking the time to provide feedback.

Although contact information is optional, we hope that you provide a way for us to contact you in case we need clarification on your comment. If you would like to be contacted regarding your feedback, you must provide contact information. 

Would you like a response?
If you would like a response, you must provide contact information (name and email) below.
CAPTCHA
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Last Modified / Reviewed:

Print PDF

NWCG Latest Announcements

NEW! S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 18, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Incident and Position Standards Committee

NWCG is excited to announce that S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended) is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal!

This blended course combines online learning with instructor-led training, designed for individuals seeking to build leadership skills and gain experience in incident management.

Students are required to complete the prerequisite trainings ICS-100, Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), ICS-200, Basic ICS for Initial Response, and ICS-700, An Introduction to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) prior to attending S-320.

References:

S-320, Introduction to Incident Management Teams (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

New! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 16, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

NWCG is excited to announce the release of the new Ransom Road Fire Module to RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR).

This module features a firsthand account from Rob Lee, official reports, and animated maps of the Ransom Road Fire which occurred on June 8, 1981, in Florida's Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

The module is available now in NWCG's RT-130, WFSTAR Catalog.

References:

WFSTAR Catalog

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center

Call for Nominations: Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award

Date: December 11, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
 Leadership Committee 

Do you know someone working in wildland fire who strives to make positive change and is undeterred by obstacles or setbacks? Now is your chance to give that person the acknowledgment they deserve by nominating them for a Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award.

This award, is presented by the NWCG Leadership Committee to remember Paul Gleason's contributions to the wildland fire community and to recognize individuals or groups that exhibit the same spirit and dedication to leadership – those who lead by example.

Nominations can be submitted via email with an attached Lead by Example Form to BLM_FA_Leadership_Feedback@blm.gov or through the online form. 

Tips for successful nominations and more information can be found on the Lead by Example webpage. All nominations must be submitted by December 31, 2025.

References:

Paul Gleason Lead By Example Award 

Paul Gleason Lead by Example Award Nomination Form 2025 

Leadership Committee 

Coming Soon! Ransom Road WFSTAR Module

Date: December 9, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: NWCG Audiovisual Specialist

On June 8, 1981, the Ransom Road Fire swept across Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida, marking a defining moment in wildland fire management. This event led directly to the creation of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's professional fire program.

Later this month, NWCG will release a compelling video that brings the Ransom Road Fire to life through firsthand accounts, official reports, and animated maps. Rob Lee, second on site during the deployment, shares his powerful recollections of that day. 

This video will be going live later this month in NWCG's RT-130, Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) Catalogue.

References:

WFSTAR Catalogue 

Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center