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Smoke Training Subcommittee

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Mission Statement

Mission Statement

The Smoke Training Subcommittee (STSC) provides national leadership on training courses and materials related to wildland fire smoke, air quality and emissions. This includes developing and incorporating smoke awareness and management in training courses, manuals, guides, handbooks, standards and practices.

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Primary Objectives

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  • Develop training materials for land managers (burners, fire personnel and line officers) and air quality regulators aimed at balancing land management needs, which includes the use of fire, while addressing air quality (public health, welfare and safety) goals.
  • Developing new training material and review and update existing training materials and training courses related to smoke management and emission’s that reflects the latest in air quality regulations.
  • Develop, publish, and maintain relevant products.
  • Develop and maintain an inventory of smoke management resources and tools.
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to provide information, assistance, and subject matter expertise in smoke management.

Smoke Management Guides and Resources at frames.gov

Smoke Management and Air Quality for Land Managers Online Learning Resource

WFSTAR Modules

Smoke:  Knowing the Risks

Review the WFSTAR Module, Smoke: Knowing the Risks

Observations from Recent Prescribed Fire Reviews

Review the WFSTAR Module, Observations from Recent Prescribed Fire Reviews

Smoke, Roads, and Safety

Review the WFSTAR Module, Smoke, Roads, and Safety

Chair: Vacant

NWCG Coordinator: Schultz, Dave

Parent Committee: Smoke Committee

Meeting Schedule: TBD

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NWCG Latest Announcements

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

Date: June 3, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The Emergency Medical Committee has issued interim guidance for Rapid Extraction Module Support (REMS) teams. Until further notice, Type I and II REMS teams must designate a team leader qualified at Firefighter Type 1 Squad Boss (FFT1) or higher. This temporary change replaces the Single Resource Boss (SRB) requirement, which is currently not feasible due to administrative barriers.

This memorandum does not include any other changes to the NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552. This interim change takes effect immediately and will remain in place until further notice.

References:

EMC Memo 25-001: Interim Rapid Extraction Module (REMS) Training and Qualification Requirements

NWCG Standards for Rapid Extraction Module Support, PMS 552

Equipment Bulletin 25-002: Chaps, Chain Saw, M-2020, Nonconformities Affecting Use, Appearance, and Serviceability

Date: June 2, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Equipment Technology Committee

The Equipment Technology Committee issued Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 to address a manufacturing nonconformity affecting Forest Service specification, 6170-4K Chain Saw Chaps. The issue applies to chaps manufactured in 2024 and 2025 and distributed through FedMall. These chaps may have incorrectly bound edges that expose inner protective layers.

Independent purchasers should inspect all chain saw chaps received from FedMall beginning in 2024, prior to use. Review the full Equipment Bulletin: 25-002 for inspection criteria and recommended actions.

References:

NWCG Alerts

ETC Equipment Bulletin: 25-002

2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards

Date: May 22, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
Emergency Medical Committee

The NWCG Emergency Medical Committee (EMC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Wildland Fire Emergency Medical Service Awards. Each year, EMC recognizes individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional actions or accomplishments that go above and beyond their normal mission or job duties.

Congratulations to all the awardees and nominees. Through leadership and initiative, they have made significant contributions to the safety and well-being of the wildland fire community. These honors are well deserved.

References:

2024 Wildland Fire EMS Awards

NWCG Emergency Medical Committee

NWCG Welcomes the Incident Management Teams Association as an Associate Member

Date: May 21, 2025
Questions?  Please contact:
https://www.nwcg.gov/contact-us

The NWCG Executive Board is honored to announce that the Incident Management Teams Association (IMTA) has joined the National Wildfire Coordinating Group as an associate member.

IMTA is a dedicated group of incident management professionals committed to enhancing the profession by promoting standards and fostering collaboration across federal, state, local, Tribal, and private sector partners throughout all phases of incident management.

“Joining NWCG aligns with our mission to elevate incident management professionals nationwide,” said Dr. Randal Collins, President of IMTA. “This is a proud moment for all of us committed to advancing public safety.”

References:

Incident Management Teams Association

National Wildfire Coordinating Group