National Wildfire Coordinating Group

Fire Use Subcommittee

TSTS header graphic. Decorative.

Mission Statement

The Technical Smoke Topics Subcommittee (TSTS) provides a forum to promote open dialogue among federal, tribal, state and local agencies, non-governmental organizations, academia, and other private partners, to advance practices and understanding of current and emerging technical subjects surrounding air quality, wildland fire and smoke topics.

Primary Objectives

Photo of a prescribed burn. Decorative

  • Create working groups to advance emerging technical issues on wildland fire and smoke science.
  • Assess and advance technical products to build wildland fire management field capabilities to address the air quality impacts of planned and unplanned fires.
  • Provide technical analysis of rules, policies, and documents that affect wildland fire operations.
  • Develop, publish, and maintain relevant products.
  • Develop and maintain an inventory of smoke management resources and tools.
  • Develop webinars, briefing papers, presentations, etc., to distribute the information.

 

Chair: 
Mark Fitch
Parent Committee: 
Smoke Committee
Subcommittee Name: 
Fire Use Subcommittee
Unit, Team, Board, Group Name: 
Technical Smoke Topics Subcommittee
NWCG Coordinator: 
Katy O'Hara
Meeting Schedule: 
Quarterly
Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - 08:59

STSC header graphic. Decorative.

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.

Primary Objectives

Photo of wildland firefighter walking along with drip torch igniting grass fuels with heavy smoke in background. Decorative

  • 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
Parent Committee: 
Smoke Committee
Subcommittee Name: 
Fire Use Subcommittee
Unit, Team, Board, Group Name: 
Smoke Training Subcommittee
NWCG Coordinator: 
Katy O'Hara
Meeting Schedule: 
As needed
Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - 08:50

SMSC header graphic. Heavy smoke billows up from a large forest fire. Inset photo of a wildland firefighter with full Nomax mask covering his face. Far right inset photo of heavy smoke from wildland fire. Decorative.

Mission Statement

The Smoke Managers Subcommittee (SMSC) provides relevant technical, administrative, and organizational information and feedback for operational smoke managers, forecasters and modelers.

Primary Objectives

Photo of large smoke column at dusk. Flames case a brilliant light within smoke. Decorative

  • Identify criteria for and assist with the development of the skills necessary for successful decision-making within the context of smoke managers for wildland fires.
  • Develop communication protocols for both wildfires and prescribed fires.
  • Develop consistent recommendations for wildland fire management which account for the air quality impacts of planned and unplanned ignitions.
  • Develop, publish, and maintain relevant products, handbooks and guides.
  • Develop webinars, briefing papers, presentations, etc., to distribute the information.

Webinars 

FRAMES - Fire Research and Management Exchange System - FRAMES strives to provide a convenient, systematic exchange of information and technology within the wildland fire research and management community.

Published Journal Articles Related to Fire

News and Events

https://www.frames.gov/smoke/nwcg-smoc/webinars

 

Chair: 
Seth Morphis
Parent Committee: 
Smoke Committee
Subcommittee Name: 
Fire Use Subcommittee
Unit, Team, Board, Group Name: 
Smoke Managers Subcommittee
NWCG Coordinator: 
Katy O'Hara
Meeting Schedule: 
Every 2-3 months
Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - 08:40

WFMU header graphic. Decorative.

Mission Statement

The Wildland Fire Module Unit (WFMU) serves the FUSC by directing the interagency wildland fire module program. The WFMU is responsible for providing national leadership on wildland fire modules, developing wildland fire module unit standards, qualifications, training, certification, and practices.

Primary Objectives

photo of fire fighters with forest burning. Decorative

  • Establish consistent national program coordination and implementation procedures, provide a means for proactive problem and issue resolution, facilitate the exchange of information between groups, and make recommendations.
  • Facilitate any revisions or updates of NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430 under the direction of the Fire Use Subcommittee.
  • Improve communication and understanding of the role of fire in the ecosystems of the United States.
  • Support successful management and utilization of wildland fire while appropriately addressing smoke impacts, for public and fire personnel health, welfare and safety.

Click on the module name to get more information - leadership names, emails, phone numbers, and any notes associated with the module.

You can also use the search box to look for a person's name. The associated module will come up.

Please use our WFMU Contacts Update Form to make contact updates for the lead and assistant positions. Please see NWCG Standards for Wildland Fire Module Operations, PMS 430, for information on updating certifications.

Module Name Type Agency Website Certification Date Leadership Details
Arc Dome Type 2 Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Jacob Keogh
Work Phone: 
775-293-3643
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Jamie Strelnik
Work Phone: 
775-293-1097
Apache Kid Type 2 Forest Service 2019-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Kyrk Barron
Work Phone: 
575-854-2281
Cell Phone: 
541-271-6039
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Abbey Wilson
Work Phone: 
575-854-2281
Cell Phone: 
785-577-3857
Balcones Type 2 Fish and Wildlife Service 2018-03
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Kathryn Sebes
Work Phone: 
512-339-9432
Cell Phone: 
512-755-2972
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Joe Lords
Work Phone: 
512-339-9432
Black Tooth Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
TJ Stender
Cell Phone: 
307-684-4646
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Matt Brazier
Cell Phone: 
307-684-4637
Calaveras Type 2 Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Seth Greene
Work Phone: 
209-795-1847
Cell Phone: 
209-768-0094
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Cascade Type 1 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Shane Kelley
Work Phone: 
208-382-7438
Cell Phone: 
530-927-7229
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Stanton Schaeffer
Work Phone: 
208-315-1529
Columbine Type 1 Forest Service 2023-04
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Nate Christiansen
Work Phone: 
541-390-4969
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Tyler Hoest
Cell Phone: 
631-219-6582
Escondido Type 2 Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Brent Corkish
Cell Phone: 
575-773-4678
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Sean Tromm
Cell Phone: 
575-773-4678
Flaming Gorge Training Crew Forest Service 2019-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Vacant
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Zak Belge - Acting
Cell Phone: 
410-596-4600
Great Lakes Type 1 Forest Service 2023-07
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Christopher Loomis
Cell Phone: 
989-329-2999
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Tim Donohoe
Work Phone: 
208-993-1379
Groveland Type 2 Forest Service 2018-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Ryan Harlan
Work Phone: 
209-962-7825
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
William Barber
Work Phone: 
209-962-7825 x594
Lewis and Clark Type 1 Forest Service 2022-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Alex Brooks
Work Phone: 
406-562-3247
Cell Phone: 
406-750-0550
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Sam Sulser
Work Phone: 
406-562-3247
Cell Phone: 
406-836-2469
Mammoth Type 2 Forest Service 2018-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Grant Jensen
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Alex Teitelbaum
Work Phone: 
winter: 760-924-5543 Summer: 760-648-1016
Marble Mountain Type 2 Forest Service 2018-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Jeremy Rose
Work Phone: 
530-468-1267
Cell Phone: 
530-905-1504
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Paul Buchter
Work Phone: 
530-468-1284
Cell Phone: 
530-598-7474
Mi-Wok Type 2 Forest Service 2018-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
William T. Barber
Work Phone: 
209-432-3263
Cell Phone: 
209-206-6657
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Eliseo Garcia
Work Phone: 
209-536-9426
Mt. Hebron Type 2 Forest Service 2018-07
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Mario Alvarez
Work Phone: 
530-398-4087
Cell Phone: 
530-398-4095
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
John O'Coy
Work Phone: 
530-398-4087
Cell Phone: 
530-398-4095
Sequoia Type 2
Six Rivers Type 2 Forest Service 2023-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Tristan Kiehl
Work Phone: 
530-627-3302
Cell Phone: 
707-599-3821
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Benjamin Peterson
Work Phone: 
530-627-3301
Skyway Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Phil Quigley
Work Phone: 
970-242-8211
Cell Phone: 
970-200-5624
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Tim Spurr
Work Phone: 
970-242-8211
Cell Phone: 
970-623-7458
Snowslide Type 1 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Nate Robinson
Work Phone: 
208-315-2856
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Corey Holmes
Work Phone: 
775-293-5546
Storm Peak Type 1 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Tim Cusack
Work Phone: 
970-870-2262
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Sarah Westendorf
Work Phone: 
970-870-2251
Cell Phone: 
970-846-8356
Summit Type 2 Forest Service 2018-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Sean Gast
Work Phone: 
209-264-3033
Cell Phone: 
209-916-5724
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Sylvester Ruiz
Work Phone: 
209-264-3033
Cell Phone: 
209-770-3723
Teton Type 1 Forest Service 2018-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Eric Hawes
Work Phone: 
307-699-1705
Cell Phone: 
307-699-1705
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Jonathan Bontrager
Work Phone: 
307-543-3908
Cell Phone: 
906-450-5979
Tushar Mountain Type 1 Forest Service 2018-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Trever Hunt
Work Phone: 
435-418-0261
Cell Phone: 
435-421-9480
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Warm Springs Type 2 Bureau of Indian Affairs 2023-07
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Josh Sohappy
Work Phone: 
541-533-8198
Cell Phone: 
541-460-0879
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Carlos Lopez
Work Phone: 
541-553-8198
Cell Phone: 
541-460-2969
Whiskey Flat Type 2 Forest Service 2019-07
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Travis Clendenen
Work Phone: 
760-376-3781 x677
Cell Phone: 
661-706-6398
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Matthew Ball
Work Phone: 
760-376-3781 x678
Cell Phone: 
760-223-6226
Whiskeytown Type 1 National Park Service 2023-04
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Warren Swab
Work Phone: 
530-999-1674
Cell Phone: 
Unavailable
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Laura West
Work Phone: 
Unavailable
Cell Phone: 
707-497-7356
Yosemite Type 2 National Park Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
John O'Coy
Work Phone: 
530-736-9095
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Lia Jigour
Work Phone: 
209-379-2392
Cell Phone: 
209-347-7250
Eagle Lake Type 2 Forest Service 2019-11
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Ben Wheeler
Cell Phone: 
530-816-0343
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Brandon Borden
Cell Phone: 
530-354-0994
Black Hills Type 1 National Park Service 2022-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Lee Dueker
Work Phone: 
605-673-8364
Cell Phone: 
605-517-0762
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Erik Andreassen
Work Phone: 
605-673-8364
Cell Phone: 
617-869-2457
Metolius Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Neal Fair
Cell Phone: 
509-310-3774
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Zachary Spears
Work Phone: 
503-383-6232
Galice Type 1 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
David Felsen
Work Phone: 
530-398-4087
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Jeremiah Jacks
Work Phone: 
541-788-9218
Grass Lake Type 1 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
William Johnson
Work Phone: 
530-398-4608
Cell Phone: 
530-966-4958
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Christ Flores
Work Phone: 
530-398-4608
Cabin Lake Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Jyota Smith-Howard
Work Phone: 
(971) 285-6482
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Zack Weinberg
Work Phone: 
847-910-7478
Snow Creek Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Nick Foey
Work Phone: 
503-914-7899
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Ian Rogers
Work Phone: 
541-844-8809
Eagle Cap Type 2 Forest Service 2023-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Gabe Hale
Work Phone: 
541-263-0856
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
William Page
Work Phone: 
208-596-6446
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Jeremiah Marsh
Work Phone: 
540-742-1004
Selway Type 1 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
JT Sohr
Work Phone: 
541-377-3474
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Robert Ramont
Work Phone: 
208-926-8929
Abajo Type 1 Forest Service 2021-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Shawn Denowh
Work Phone: 
435-260-2089
Cell Phone: 
208-509-8531
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Daniel Renner
Work Phone: 
435-260-2205
Cell Phone: 
308-880-1521
Hells Canyon Type 1 Forest Service 2020-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Brian Bates
Work Phone: 
208-253-0100
Cell Phone: 
530-355-7314
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Aaron Bell
Work Phone: 
208-866-6171
Buffalo River Type 1 National Park Service 2022-11
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Joe Milligan
Work Phone: 
530-524-2614
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Shane Morey
Work Phone: 
870-446-2747
Great Smoky Type 1 National Park Service 2023-03
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Jordan Black
Work Phone: 
865-250-3128
Cell Phone: 
218-301-9857
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Josh Pargas
Work Phone: 
865-333-2837
Kings Peak Type 2 Forest Service 2020-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Greg Kolberg
Work Phone: 
435-322-0191
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Peter Noble
Black Canyon Training Crew National Park Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
John Kinder
Work Phone: 
812-320-3000
Cell Phone: 
702-293-8828
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Cumberland Gap Training Crew National Park Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Vacant
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant-Jeremy Spiess acting
Cell Phone: 
603-443-1022
Elk Creek Training Crew National Association of State Foresters
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Jayson Papenfus
Cell Phone: 
719-482-6510
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
William Gage
Cell Phone: 
208-890-2882
Gravitas Peak Training Crew National Association of State Foresters
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Dave Lasky
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Green Mountain Training Crew Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Vacant
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Kaweah Training Crew National Park Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Ross Garlapow
Work Phone: 
559-565-3166
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Kaniksu Training Crew Forest Service 2022-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Bryce Barth
Work Phone: 
208-449-2950
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Samuel Castaldo
Work Phone: 
208-920-1534
Olympic Type 2 Forest Service 2023-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Meghan Fluharty
Work Phone: 
406-600-5466
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Jonah Gray
Work Phone: 
360-565-3118
Pilot Peak Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Pete Freire
Work Phone: 
603-340-0405
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Matt Bell
Work Phone: 
719-849-3286
Rams Horn Training Crew Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Joseph Getty
Work Phone: 
208-838-2238
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Craig Weaver
Rocky Mountain Training Crew National Park Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Kevin Riggs
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Sheepeater Training Crew Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Morgan Thomsen
Work Phone: 
208-861-0065
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Steven Becker
Slate Mountain Training Crew Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Angel Reyes
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Vacant
Spotted Bear Training Crew Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Nate Harrison
Work Phone: 
406-570-9734
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Aaron Mccown
Work Phone: 
406-758-6467
Cell Phone: 
781-775-0821
St. Joe Training Crew Forest Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Vacant
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Justin Colvin
Work Phone: 
712-660-6006
Saguaro Type 2 National Park Service 2023-04
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Kress Sanders
Work Phone: 
520-433-0251
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Ruben Pedraza
Work Phone: 
520-405-4647
Cell Phone: 
520-349-7136
Unaweep Type 1 Bureau of Land Management Website 2022-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Owen Johnson
Work Phone: 
970-683-7707
Cell Phone: 
970-210-3091
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Brian Anderson
Work Phone: 
970-683-7707
Cell Phone: 
970-576-1612
White River Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Alex Farinetti
Work Phone: 
Not available
Cell Phone: 
970-210-6446
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Michael Carter
Cell Phone: 
517-899-5778
Platte Canyon Type 2 National Association of State Foresters 2023-06
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Shelby Edwards
Work Phone: 
303-838-0160
Cell Phone: 
303-815-8145
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Greg Davis
Work Phone: 
303-746-2503
Cell Phone: 
303-746-2503
Crow Peak Type 2 Forest Service 2023-05
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Ben Dempsey
Work Phone: 
605-642-4622
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Keifer Huntley
Work Phone: 
605-645-6689
Devil's Staircase Type 2 Forest Service 2022-07
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Charles Cross
Work Phone: 
503-932-5142
Cell Phone: 
503-812-0328
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Dustin Wise
Work Phone: 
541-467-5188
Cell Phone: 
541-921-1965
Shuksan Training Crew National Park Service
Role: 
Lead
Name: 
Vacant
,
Role: 
Assistant
Name: 
Geoff Hibbs
Work Phone: 
360-854-7359
Cell Phone: 
360-296-8744

Guidance Documents

 

Chair: 
Chris Loomis
Parent Committee: 
Fire Use Subcommittee
Subcommittee Name: 
Fire Use Subcommittee
Unit, Team, Board, Group Name: 
Wildland Fire Module Unit
NWCG Coordinator: 
Sarah Lee
Meeting Schedule: 
As needed
Page Last Modified / Reviewed: 
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - 10:29