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.

Assessing the Fire Environment to Anticipate Fire Behavior

Good situational awareness is a cornerstone of good decision making. Assessing the fire environment is a key component of the Situational Awareness Cycle for wildland firefighters.
Category: Fire-Environment
Core Component(s):
Fire and Aviation Operational Safety, Human Factors, Communication and Decision Making
Estimated Delivery Time: 40 minutes
Video Length: 14:46

Intent

Utilizing factors identified on the NWCG Fire Environment Poster, PMS 439, and the Look Up, Down, and Around principles, describe a step-by-step process to assess the fire environment and anticipate the next big changes in fire behavior.

Facilitator Preparation

  • Review the video and module tools.
  • Print or display the Cheat Sheet Companion to How to Assess the Fire Environment to Anticipate Fire Behavior and explore the digital information sources listed in the online resources column.
  • Print or display the NWCG Fire Environment Poster, PMS 439.
  • Reference the Look Up, Down and Around principles in the NWCG Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG), PMS 461. Provide copies of the IRPG for students to utilize and answer questions.

Facilitating the Discussion

  • Show the video.
  • Facilitate a discussion after each phase of the video, using the Cheat Sheet as a guide. Consider pausing the video after each of the three phases to initiate a review of the topics.
  • Use the NWCG Fire Environment Poster, PMS 439 as a discussion reference.

Discussion Questions

Phase 1: Before an Assignment 2:28-5:55

  • What information sources are used to evaluate forecasts? To review yesterday’s activity? And to anticipate today’s problems?
  • Identify information sources available that were not listed in the module.

Phase 2: Assigned and En Route 5:56-8:57

  • What tools are used to get on-scene weather and fire information?
    • Evaluate maps and photos.
    • Ask for a spot forecast.
    • Interpret sky and smoke.
  • Identify strengths/weaknesses of these tools and how/when each may be best used.

Phase 3: On-Scene Fire Assessment 8:58-12:38

  • What methods are used to determine the current situation, including:
    • What fuel and terrain are ahead of the fire?
    • How to verify forecast and request updates?
    • How to determine escape route and safety zone requirements?
  • Identify existing references to assist you with these methods.

Big Change Factor Clues 12:39-13:38

  • Which clues determine what the next big change will look like and where/how fast it will occur?
  • How do you determine if it is time to act or time to move to safety and wait it out?
  • Identify big change factor clues in your local area.

Resources

Additional Video Information

  • This video is also available as a download (zip file, size 982 MB) 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.

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-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) Available Now

Date: December 22, 2025
Questions about RT-130? 
Please contact: Fire Behavior Subcommittee

NWCG is excited to announce that the new S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended) training is now available on the Wildland Fire Learning Portal.

This third course in the series combines online and instructor-led training components aimed at individuals who are involved in planning, managing, and executing wildland fire and prescribed burn operations; who require a thorough understanding of fire behavior calculations to enhance effectiveness and safety. This includes students who require the knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of a Type 3 Incident Commander (ICT3), Division/Group Supervisor (DIVS), or Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2).

Students are required to be qualified as any Single Resource Boss position and complete the prerequisite S-290, Intermediate Wildland Fire behavior (Blended) course, before enrolling in S-390.

References:

S-390, Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior Calculations (Blended)

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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