Skip to main content

Equipment Technology Committee

Banner Image
ETC header graphic. Photo of firefighter with a hose inset in photo of fire. Decorative.
Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Equipment Technology Committee (ETC) provides national leadership in wildland fire equipment, supplies, and chemicals. The ETC enables coordinated interagency management of wildland fire equipment, supplies, and chemicals, including planning, development, acquisition, and utilization. The ETC provides oversight of the National Interagency Support Caches and National Fire Equipment System.

Body

Primary Objectives

Firefighter with chainsaw cutting down a tree

  • Establish, maintain and communicate consistent interagency standards and guidelines for equipment, supplies and chemicals for wildland fire suppression.
  • Establish processes and procedures for the introduction, utilization, refurbishment, replacement, or disposal of any piece of equipment, supply item, or wildland fire chemical that has an established standard or specification.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures for ETC business practices which establish consistent, well defined methods of operations and decision making.
  • Contribute to the standardization of information technology systems (such as FireNet, IROC, etc.) to collect and distribute data, processes, forms, and other operational elements.

Alerts

Alert Title Additional Information
ETC-EA-2025-01: Pre-2006 Fire Shelter Degradation and Discontinuation of Use
ETC/RMC Safety Bulletin 25-001: Laundering to Decontaminate Wildland Fire Clothing
ETC-EB-25-004: New Aquatic Invasive Species - Golden Mussels
ETC-EB-25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities affecting use, appearance, and serviceability
ETC-EB-25-001 Retrofitted Hot/Cold Beverage Kits Available (NFES #0244) - 2025 Field Season
ETC-SW-25-001: Non-specification fire shelters
ETC-SW-24-001: Stihl Toolless Fuel Caps Spill Prevention
ETC-EB-24-003: Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) in fuel containers
ETC-EB-24-004: Two-compartment fuel and oil container (Dolmar) unavailable in the United States (US) and reminders for upkeeping current inventories
ETC-EB-24-005: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Inspection, Care, and Maintenance
ETC-EB-24-002: NWCG Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Typing Standard – Request for Comment
ETC Bulletin 24-001: Discontinued Use of Hot/Cold Beverage Kits - 2024 Field Season
ETC-EB-2023-02: Fire shelter training material moved to a website and publication renamed
ETC-SW-2023-001: Non-specification Fire Shelters
ETC-EB-2023-01: Discontinuation of Shelf Stable Food Boxes (NFES 7478) in NISC
ETC-EA-22-05: BKR5000 Series Radio Firmware Update
ETC-EA-22-04: BK Radio Not Powering Up When Switched to the On Position
ETC-EB-22-01: 50:1 Fuel/Oil Mix Ratio Recommendation for 2-Stroke Wildland Fire Portable Pumps
ETC-EA-2022-03: Performance Differences Between Pre-and Post-2006 Fire Shelters
ETC-EA-22-02: Fuel Container Geysering
ETC-EA-22-01: Inspection of 3,000 lb. Cargo Nets
ETC Safety Advisory 21-01: Drip Torch Lock Rings Detaching
ETC-EB-21-01: Fire Shelter Training Update/Reminders
ETC-EA-21-01: Fire Shelter PVC Bag Retrofit 2021
ETC-EB-2019-04: Medical Kit Changes – Urgent Recall of Altaire Pharmaceuticals Eye Wash Solution
ETC-EB-2019-03: NWCG Dozer Typing Standard - Request for Comment
ETC-EB-2019-02: Firefighter Pants Questionnaire Survey
ETC-EB-2019-01: Medical Kit Changes for 2019 Field Season
ETC-EB-2018-01: Further information on removal of NFES 001175 Five Gallon Fuel Can from NISCs
ETC-EB-2017-01: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Issues STIHL Chainsaw Recall
ETC-EB-2016-03: Engine and Water Tender Foot Valve Leakage - Field Test Protocol
ETC-EB-2016-01: Phase-Out of Drip Torches That Do Not Comply with US DOT and US OSHA Specifications

Wildland Firefighter's Helmet Serviceability Guide Flowchart

Image
Flow chart identifying the indicators of whether a wildland firefighter's helmet should be serviced or repaired.

This link will take you to the etc-determine-dom.pdfThis link will take you to the etc-helmet-notice.pdf

Helmet Inspection and Safety video (Time:  7:10)

PDF of the above Wildland Firefighter's Helmet Serviceability Guide flowchart

Determine Date of Manufacturing (DOM)

Inspect the Helmet: Helmet Notice: Summer 2012 by the Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) regarding reports of cracking, delamination, and broken suspension keys in helmets.

Alternate Head Protection Available (March 2011)

Fuel Geyser Awareness

Vaporless Fueling System Field Evaluation

The Soter Fueling System (SFS) is a vaporless refueling system designed for chainsaws to mitigate the risk of injury from fuel geysering.  The SFS is a closed refueling system that prevents vapor from being released.   Information on the durability, maintainability and usability of the system is being evaluated by selected chainsaw operators. 

Soter Fuel System Orientation Video.  This video provides an overview of the Soter fuel system.  It includes instructions for proper installation and use.  Please watch the video before using the system.

Soter Fuel System Fuel Bottle Probe Retrofit Instructions.

Link to the evaluation.

Guidance Documents

Innovative Ideas

If you have an idea that you feel will improve wildland fire fighter safety, operating efficiency, and reduce costs, review the Guide for the Submission of Innovative Ideas for Product or Process Improvement and submission form. We'd like to hear from you!

Useful Resources for the Equipment Technology Committee

Helmet information is now available on the FSPPES homepage

Forest Service Technology and Development Centers

Forest Service Fire Equipment Specifications and Standards (cache equipment)

Wildland Fire Chemical Systems (WFCS) - The WFCS provides national resource agencies with detailed information promoting safe and effective fire suppression chemicals and aerial delivery systems.

Roscommon Equipment Center - Wildland fire engine and equipment designs and information

Chair: Hesse, Nate

NWCG Coordinator: Lamb, Erica

Parent Committee:

Meeting Schedule:

Bi-annually – spring and fall

Page Last Modified or Reviewed:

NWCG Latest Announcements

Updated! L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led) Course

Date: October 3, 2024
Questions? Please contact:
Leadership Committee

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. 

This instructor-led course is a primer on leadership and the second formal course in the Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program. It helps emerging leaders build the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead effectively in high-risk environments. 

For more information about leadership development and available courses, visit the Leadership Committee Web Portal.

References:

L-280, Followership to Leadership (Instructor-led)

Wildland Fire Leadership Development Program

Wildland Fire Learning Portal

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

Date: Sept 26, 2025
Questions? Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee 

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)
  • Order replacements as needed

For further details, please refer to the complete advisory. 

References:

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

NWCG Fire Inspection Flowchart, PMS 411-1

NWCG Alerts

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